10 ESSENTIAL WATER GARDEN PLANTS

I found this list of ten plants that you really need to buy for your garden pond. The list comes from the website of Lilies Water Gardens which has all sorts of useful information on water gardens. The list uses the botanical latin names but the description also includes the common name of each plant.

You can just imagine the fun I had trying to choose the top ten must have plants for your pond! The first thing I had to do was to just concentrate on pond plants (true aquatics) rather than the whole concept of water gardening, bog-gardens, moist pond surrounds borders etc.? At least this way, I have only had to choose ten pond plants from a list of over 400! ?All of the ten plants listed below, I have chosen as they are each individually unique in their own special way and will not only compliment and enhance the look of your pond, but will encourage a wide variety of wildlife to it as well which I believe, will further bring out the beauty of your pond and maximize it to its full potential.
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1. Hydrocotyl Vulgaris
Also known as ?Marsh Pennywort? and sometimes sold as an oxygenating plant and as a marginal plant, Hydrocotyl Vulgaris produces an indefinite amount of small, attractive green leaves that will float and spread across the water surface.? It looks great planted amongst Rushes and Aquatic Iris, and will grow to a water depth of 0-6cm.
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2. Caltha Palustris
This very recognisable marginal plant is easy to grow in any size pond.? This plant has many common names including ?Yellow Boots?, ?Water Bubbles? and ?Marsh Marigold. ?It produces masses of bright golden yellow flowers during March and April giving your pond, its first display of spring colour. Growing to a water depth of 6cm with larger established clumps growing to a water depth of 15cm, this lovely water plant never fails to impress.
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3. Nymphaea Steven Strawn
This is certainly by far my personal favourite out of all of the red Water Lilies.? This beautiful Lily produces perfect deep red blooms that sit on the waters surface and is extremely free flowering. The flowers are of a good size being roughly, about 6 inches across, and the leaves are mottled and attractive, but on top of that, it has a nice growing habit, staying strong and compact with a leaf spread of 60cm. Steven Strawn will grow happily in water 30-45cm deep.
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?4. Alisma Lanceolata
If you want to attract Dragonflies and Damselflies then this is the must plant for you. Not only does this marginal plant look great with its bright green lance shaped leaves and summer sprays of airy white flower,s but it is also a favourite for emerging Damselfly and Dragonfly nymphs who ?climb out of the water and up the stalks clinging to the stems to allow their wings to dry before emerging as young adults. Alisma Lanceolata grows to a water depth of 0-16cm.