Water is a fabulous way to enhance a garden. It adds light as its surface sparkles and ripples in the sunshine. Surrounded by lush foliage and flowers, it creates a real wow factor. The gentle babble of a fountain or small waterfall is a natural stress buster, creating a relaxing soundscape and turning your garden into a haven of tranquillity and peace.
Water is the single most important addition you can make to your garden to support wildlife and increase biodiversity. Whether it is a simple pool in a watertight barrel or a full wildlife pond, it provides drinking water for thirsty birds, hedgehogs, insects and amphibians. Many of these animals will also help control aphid, slug and snail populations in your garden.
Aquatic plants play a vital role in keeping a pond healthy and balanced. They provide shade and shelter for aquatic creatures, helping to regulate water temperature and create safe habitats. By absorbing excess nutrients from the water, they help prevent algae build-up, keeping your pond clearer and healthier. As well as improving water quality, aquatic plants add texture, colour and seasonal interest throughout the year.
Its perfectly normal for ponds to turn green at first, so remember to be patient.
Zone 1: 0cm Bog/Marsh Plants
Not strictly aquatic plants, these prefer consistently moist or boggy soil and should not be submerged. They are ideal for softening the edges of a pond and creating shelter for wildlife.
Acorus, Astilbe, Canna, Cyperus haspans, Equisetum scorpoides, Fritillaria meleagris UK, Geum rivale UK, Iris ensata, Hosta, Houttuynia cordata, Ligularia, Lobelia cardinalis, Lythrum salicaria UK, Mazus reptans, Osmunda regalis, Primula japonica, Primula vialii, Rodgersia, Saururus cernuus, Schizostylis coccinea, Trollius UK, Zantedeschia aethiopica.
Zone 2: 0-15cm Marginal Plants
The roots or crown should be submerged in shallow water while the flowering stems emerge above the surface.
Acorus, Alisma parviflora, Alisma plantago UK, Cotula coronopifolius, Iris pseudacorus UK, Butomus umbellatus UK, Caltha palustris UK, Equisetum japonicum, Mentha aquatica UK, Mentha pulegium UK, Myosotis palustris UK, Typha minima, Veronica beccabunga UK.
Zone 3: 15-40cm Deep Marginal Plants
The roots and crown should be submerged, with the stems and flowers growing above the water.
Butomus umbellatus UK, Cyperus papyrus, Equisetum japonicum, Pontederia cordata, Pontederia lanceolata, Sagittaria sagittifolia UK, Typha gracilis, Typha laxmannii.
Also suitable at 15-25cm:
Nymphaea pygmaea (miniature waterlilies).
Zone 4: 40cm+ Deep Water Plants
The roots and crown should be planted in deeper water. Many of these plants produce long stems that reach the water’s surface.
Aponogeton distachyum, Nuphar luteum UK, Nymphoides peltata UK, Orontium aquaticum.
Waterlilies: Nymphaea alba is our only native waterlily. We stock a range of waterlilies in different colours and named varieties. Miniature waterlilies are only suitable for small ponds and should be planted at a depth of 15-25cm.
Zone 5: Floating Plants
These plants have no roots in soil and float freely on the water’s surface, providing shade and shelter for aquatic creatures.
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae UK (Frogbit), Trapa bispinosa (Water Chestnut), Stratiotes aloides UK (Water Soldiers).
Oxygenating Plants
Around 25% of your pond plants should be oxygenating plants, as they are essential for maintaining a healthy pond. Planting zones are shown after each variety.
Ceratophyllum demersum UK (Zone 2/3), Eleocharis acicularis UK (Zone 2/3), Hippuris vulgaris UK (Zone 2/3), Hottonia palustris UK (Zone 2/3), Hydrocotyle variegata (Zone 2/3), Myriophyllum ‘Red Stem’ (Zone 3/4), Pilularia globulifera UK (Zone 2/3), Ranunculus aquatilis (Zone 2/3/4), Scirpus cernuus (Zone 2/3/4).
Planting Pond Plants
All our pond plants, except the free-floating varieties, come ready planted in specialised aquatic baskets topped with gravel, making them easy to position in your pond. Simply lower them gently into the water. Deep water plants, such as waterlilies, should initially be placed part way down so their foliage sits just below the surface. They can be supported on bricks or upturned pots until their stems lengthen, after which they can gradually be lowered to the bottom of the pond. If using bricks, take care not to damage the pond liner.
The best time to plant pond plants is in early spring, when they will establish and grow away quickly. However, as long as the pond is not frozen, they can be planted at any time of year. At Tates of Sussex Garden Centres, we stock a wide range of pond plants from early spring through to late summer.
If you want to encourage wildlife, choose a mixture of plants with different growing habits. Deep water plants allow dragonfly larvae to climb to the surface, where they use upright marginal plants to emerge from the water before transforming into beautiful adult dragonflies. Spreading and rafting plants provide shade, shelter and valuable habitats for frogs, newts and insects. Aim for plants that will cover around 50% of the pond’s surface within three years.
For the most natural appearance, plant in groups and leave at least one to two thirds of the pond edge free of planting to allow easy access for wildlife and unobstructed viewing. Selecting plants that flower at different times of the year, together with a few evergreen varieties, will ensure your pond remains attractive and full of interest throughout the seasons.
Continue your Gardening Journey
Need a little extra advice? Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today, where our friendly knowledgeable, team will be happy to help you choose the right plants and offer expert guidance.
