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Water Plants: WHAT? Water plants are those plants that require water/wet conditions to live. There are 3 basic types of water plants: floating, oxygenating, and bog/marginal. There are functional and aesthetic factors to consider for each individual water garden. WHEN? We recommend adding new plants only after the fear of frost has passed and the water temperature has reached a steady 70 F. The exceptions being Iris, Parrot’s Feather, Hardy Water Lilies, and Watercress. WHERE? Water plants can be located in a variety of places from a low, wet place in the yard such as an air conditioner drainage spot to an attractive formal pond. Other locations could be next to a river or stream or in a whiskey barrel or plastic tub…almost anything that will hold water! WHY? Water gardening can be a relaxing hobby that brings years of pleasure. Like most gardening, the joy of growing things and creating a natural setting for your family to relax, enjoy, and experience will provide the motivation. Also, there is nothing like water to attract birds and other wildlife. HOW? Let us help you get the most enjoyment out of this experience! Bog Plants (click for some of the varieties that Givhandy's carries) Bog plants are shallow water plants, often called "Marginal Plants" by water gardeners. In Nature these plants grow around the shallow edges of lakes and ponds. They provide filtration of excess nitrogen as well as safe zones for fish to hide from predation. Preferring a heavy soil to grow some water gardeners plant directly in the gravel at the bottom of the pond. Some tropical varieties will not tolerate colder climates and provisions for cold weather must be made. Many varieties have beautiful and interesting flowers including varieties such as Iris, Hibiscus, and Cannas. Others are more of a "grass" and add a natural and interesting look to water gardens and ponds. Pros: Hardy in most climates, a variety of types to choose from. Cons: Tropical varieties cannot tolerate cold weather.
Submerged Plants Submerged plants live completely underwater and are considered oxygenating plants. While they do produce oxygen during the day, they consume it back at night, and so you should not rely solely on submerged plants for your oxygenation needs. If you want to promote fish and fish reproduction these provide a great place for your young fish to hide from predators. These plants also assist in reducing algae growth by consuming nutrients that will otherwise feed algae. This category of plant should occupy about 1/3 the total volume of your pond for best results. Pros: Oxygenating, survive in colder climates, provide cover for fish Cons: Need additional oxygenating sources such as moving water Hardy Lilies Water Lilies are the centerpiece of any water garden. They need lots of sunlight and will compete with other floating plants so should be planned for accordingly. Hardy Water Lilies are the choice for those living in colder climates, where they can be cut back to the ground level for the cold winter months if under two feet of water. Many produce beautiful flowers and also do well in warmer climates as well. Blooming in late spring to early fall they flower in colors of pink, red, yellow, white, orange and peach. Pros: Good for cold climates, beautiful and colorful blooms Cons: Needs and competes for lots of sunlight Tropical Lilies Like the Hardy Lilies the Tropical Lilies produce beautiful bllooms in red, pink, purple, white, orange, and yellow that can grow as much as 12" over the surface of the water. However, as they are tropical in nature, will not tollerate cold weather and will survive only in water temperatures over 70 degrees Farenheight. Pros: Beautiful and colorful blooms Cons: Needs and competes for lots of sunlight, will only survive in warm climates Lotus The Louts is the Queen of the Water Garden. Revered by the Egyptians and the national flower of India, the Lotus has been cultivated for thousands of years. 1300 years old Lotus seeds have been recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China and germinated; the oldest recorded germination. Growing its leaves and blooms well above the water line on study stems, the blooms last a long time and when finished, provide interesting seed pods. Lotus plants can grow rapidly in warm climates and should be planted in pots to contain their spread. Pros: Beautiful flowers. Easy to grow. Cons: Can be invasive if not contained |
