And you thought they were just pretty...but they..
play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
provide THE BEST filtration for a pond.
help keep fish healthy.
are a stunning touch of natural beauty.
bring a whole new level to gardening.
Seriously, all that and you don’t have to water them!
Did you know they also provide shelter, food, and oxygen for a wide range of aquatic life, fish, insects, and amphibians? Yes! Plants are so fantastic in many ways and they support the larger environment.
Did you know plants help regulate water temperature and quality, reducing the likelihood of harmful algae growth and keeping the pond’s ecosystem balanced? Yes!
From lush and bushy to minimalistic and serene, aquatic plants are a fantastic choice!
Yes, I know, there are a lot of exclamation points in there. Do you know why?
Because I love aquatic plants!
The Zone Chart is below!
What zone are you in?
When considering any type of plants, you need to know what growing zone you are in. I live near Boulder, Colorado. I am in zone 5.
What does Hardiness Zone Mean?
The hardiness zone tells you in which zone the plant can live and come back the following spring. If you live in zones 8, 9 or 10, some plants will continue growing year-round.
When you are looking at plants at your local nursery, look at the tag on the plant. It will tell you what hardiness zone they are created for.
When they are planted correctly they will grow larger and more beautiful each year.
Interactive Zone Finder
Click on this map to put in your zip code to find your exact hardiness zone!
Perennial or Annual?
A plant may go dormant over the winter and look like its dead. When it grows back in the spring/summer we consider it a “perennial plant”. When it does not come back and new plants need to be brought in, they are considered “annual” plants.
Remember that annuals can bring tremendous color and worth planting each year!
What other sources have to say about ponds and aquatic plants?
Webb’s Water Gardens wrote a lovely article and you can purchase plants from them too!
Read more about ponds HERE and if you think your system may have a leak read THIS.