What Are the Best Pond Plants?

A pond is a popular garden water feature that provides a small area dedicated to still, freshwater.

A pond gets its name from the still water that it holds. It differs from a river because the water does not flow or move, and a lake holds a much higher volume of water.

Whilst you are able to have a naturally formed pond, most people will need to build their ponds in order to have one. Not only are they are great garden features, but they can provide a great hobby to those who enjoy the maintenance side of pond care.

Historically, ponds have been around since 2800BC. They were often thought to be the main features and a lot of gardens were centred around the pond plants. Over time, they have adapted, but remain big garden features. Today, whilst aquatic plants are still very much the primary focus, there is a higher focus on fish and other aquatic creatures in the ponds.

What Are Pond Plants?

Since pond plants are such a big part of building a pond, it is important that you understand what they are and the purpose that they will serve.

Firstly, pond plants will come in a variety of forms. Some will need to be submerged and others will sit on the surface of the pond. Whilst they look beautiful and can enhance the visual appeal of your pond, they actually provide their own benefits and contribute something much more than just visual appeal.

There are five standard categories that pond plants are typically sorted into, which are as followed:

• Bog Plants
• Marginal Plants
• Deep Marginal Plants
• Deep Water Plants
• Oxygenating Plants
• Floating Plants

Bog Pond Plants - UK

Bog plants rely heavily on moisture and they are great for damp environments. You want to ensure that they are not directly housed in the water, but should be surrounded by wet soil. You do not want to waterlog the plants.

For this reason, they are a great type of plant to use for the surrounding areas of a pond, perhaps they can be included in a border or the frame of a pond. They provide a great habitat for small creatures and if you have a pond that is no longer in use as it can be converted into a bog garden.

If you are looking to add bog plants to your old or new pond, then the best time to add these would be in the spring. You want to ensure that the plants have time to establish before the soil starts to warm. Remember that the soil will need to be moist all year round, but some bog plants require sunlight, so you will need to maintain that balance.

Marginal Pond Plants - UK

Also known as emergent plants, these types of pond plants will grow best in shallow water areas. For this type of water plant, the crown (where the root joins the stem) is underwater, along with the soil it is planted in.

Most people when using this type of plant in their ponds will use a planting basket or shelf, that allows for plants to sit at a specific level within the water. The reason this is so important is that you do not want to place a marginal pond plant any lower than 15cm as it will not be able to thrive. Alternatively, not placing them deep enough means that their crown will be uncovered. A planting shelf will help to ensure the perfect location is met.

Aside from adding a great array of colour to your pond, these plants are great for water filtration. The roots will absorb nutrients that prevent algae from growing in your pond.

The best time to start planting your marginal plants is between spring and summer months, though closer to springtime is recommended where possible. The conditions of spring allow the plants time to establish and grow throughout these seasons.

Deep Marginal Pond Plants - UK

These plants are similar to marginal pond plants but they can handle deeper depths of shallow water in comparison. You are going to want to use a plant shelf or basket to ensure these are planted around 15-40cm under the water level.

These types of pond plants have similar benefits to the marginal plants, such as absorbing nutrients and preventing algae, but they also provide hiding areas and habitats for the fish under the water. They will also oxygenate the water.

As with most pond plants, you are going to want to plant these in the spring or early summer months to ensure that they have time to establish. 

Deep Water Pond Plants - UK

Deepwater plants are almost essential when it comes to maintaining and building your pond. They are responsible for the health and the water and remove excess nitrate from the water, keeping your pond well balanced.

Additionally, if you are going to be adding fish to your pond or you already have some, then using deep water plants can provide them with the necessary shade and cover for them under the water.

Deepwater plants will need to be planted at a depth of over 40cm in order to thrive. You are going to want to plant deep water plants in mid-spring as the water is warm enough for the plants to become well established.

Oxygenating Pond Plants - UK

Oxygenating plants are submerged underwater and they are responsible for raising the oxygen levels of the water. This is essential for those who have pond creatures for it supports the right environment that they need in order to have a great quality of life.

Of course, there is the option to forgo the oxygenating plants for an oxygen pump, but this can often be problematic and cause problems for the fish and other pond plants. If oxygen levels fall below 3ppm, most fish will die as they are not getting enough oxygen. You are going to want to ensure that the oxygen levels are at 6ppm as this is best for the fish. Oxygenating plants will help to keep this regulated.

We suggest that you ensure the safety of your fish by combining the two oxygenators.

Floating Pond Plants - UK

Floating pond plants are exactly like they sound, they float on the water and provide shade for the pond. Floating plants are great for absorbing nutrients and reducing light levels that produce algae. This will also help to prevent the water in your pond from going green.

They are a low maintenance pond plant, but they provide a great home for wildlife and pond creatures.

If you are in the UK and want to use floating pond plants, note that any plants which are not native to the UK will typically not survive during the harsh winter months. 

Using summer plants during the spring and summer months is when they are going to spread and become well established. Alternatively, using native plants means that they will submerge underwater during the winter and reappear on the surface during the spring months the following year.

Pond Plants UK - Which Are Best?

Deciding which plants to put in your pond can be quite difficult. Choosing a specific type of plant under each category can be difficult since there are so many to choose from. Below we have outlined some of the types of plants under each category. Whilst there are plenty to choose from, this should provide some great starter ideas.

Bog Plants

Cardinal Flowers

Also known as herbaceous plants, this type of blog plant is brightly coloured and they are the perfect feature to have around the edge of your pond. They are great for wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

They grow to be around 4" high and will bloom in summer. This type of blog plant is not native to the UK. 

Pitcher Plants

Native to the United States, pitcher plants must be kept in soil that is moist but well-drained. They need to be kept wet meaning that this type of blog plant performs well next to a pond.

They will thrive best in full sun but can adapt in lightly shaded areas. These should be planted in spring.

Caltha Palustris

Also known as marsh marigolds, these bog plants grow up to 25cm in height and thrive in full sun and light shade. They attract pollinators like bees and other insects that will be greatly beneficial to your pond.

They are native to the UK and should be planted in the spring.

Bogbean

Bogbean is native to the UK and can grow up to 30cm in height. They are great for bogs and bloom from March until June. The flowers are a beautiful addition to your pond as each flower resembles a white star.

Marginal Plants

Allium Schoenoprasum

They are native to the UK and encourage pollinators to visit your pond. It is recommended that they are planted at 2cm depth. They will grow to around 30cm and prefer full sun but can adapt to part shade.

Pickerel Rush

Pickerel rush plants are a great addition to your pond. They provide a flash of colour and the partially submerged plant is great for providing shade for any pond creates as well as preventing algae from growing in your pond.

Blue Flag Iris

This type of flower can grow in soil, but it can also thrive being planted 15cm underwater. It is a well-controlled flower and it will not cause problems outside of the pond. They are good for pond structure and also aid the cycle of pond nutrients.

Deep Marginal Plants

Sacred Water Lotus

This is a beautiful flower that emerges from the depths of the water and produces bright coloured flowers. It is not native to the UK so you need to ensure you are allowed this type of plant in your area.

Bur-Reed

You will need to plant this type of marginal in waters between 20-60cm in depth. Some types of Bur-Reed are native to the UK, whilst others are not. Be sure to check with your provider.

Willow Grass

Will grass needs to be planted at around 50cm in water depth and produce small pink flowers, adding some colour to your pond. They will bloom in June and typically last until September.

Oxygenating Plants

Hornwort

This type of oxygenating plant grows quickly and provides ponds with a substantial amount of oxygen. They are easy to maintain and they can be great for any fish that are in your pond. Additionally, they are helpful for keeping your ponds PH balanced.

Water Sprite

This type of water fern will grow immersed in water, but the main function of this plant is to purify the water. Note that if you have goldfish in your pond, you should not use the type of oxygenator.

Red Rotala

This plant is responsible for removing nitrogen from the water and keeping the water in your pond clean. They will bloom in spring until early summer.

Floating Plants

Waterlilies

A water lily is a very common and popular floating plant that is responsible for filtering the water through the hanging root that comes off the floating plant. They also enhance the beauty of your pond.

Water Hyacinths

One single stalk of this flower will bloom between 8 and 15 flowers, meaning they can become quite large. You need to ensure that they are well maintained as you do not want them to spread outside of your pond into other areas of your garden.

Floating Fern

This is a plant native to most countries and thrives in warmer climates. It provides cover for your fish if you have them. This type of floating plant will die during the autumn but will reproduce in the flowing spring.

Duckweed

Duckweed is one of the most common types of floating pond plants and is beneficial for ponds when they are not found in excessive amounts. It is responsible for keeping the water clean, reducing algae and feeding small fish.