Do you want to know how to choose the best plants for your water garden? This article will help you discover some of the more popular selections. There are thousands of different plant varieties to choose from so feel free to explore your options to find exactly what you’re looking for.
These are just some of the many popular plants for your water garden:
Water Lily – One of the most popular plants to consider in your garden would be the water lily. The hardy will leaves float on the surface of the water and will provide shade for fish and keep water temperatures from becoming too warm. Blooms can sometimes last only a few days, while others open during the day and close at night, or the opposite. Be careful the water lily does not become unmanageable by spreading too much throughout your garden. Common Cattail - This plant is flat green leaf that looks like a sword that is usually bound up and down. Common Cattails can reach as much as 10 feet in height, however, you are going to plant it in a pot, so it will not grow very tall. The cattails are generally maintenance free as long as you keep them from spreading. Dwarf Papyrus – This species of plant came from the Giant Papyrus, which grows very well in a pond environment. A dwarf papyrus usually grows green and mop like heads on firm stems. Reaching more than 1 foot in height, it’s sturdy stalks and full display give off a beautiful tropical sensation. Floating heart - The flower is usually bright yellow in color, the leaves are usually heart in shape and the color is green sprinkled with maroon. This kind of plant usually covers 4 inches or more and is usually considered as a ground cover for water gardens. Lotus - One of the unique features of lotus is the water droplet bead that is perfect as a design for your water garden. Propagating this kind of plant is through method of division. Japanese Primrose – These small plants grow up to 18” tall in small bunches. Within a few seasons you will notice wonderful colony of mixed colours as a result of self sowing. The Japanese Primrose favour acidic soil and should thrive along the water’s edge.
These are some of the more popular varieties however there are many to choose from. Restrict yourself to 3 varieties initially to save yourself from filling the garden with too much colour. Also, Installing too many plants at their infant stages can lead to a jungle when the plants reach maturity. So, leave space for your plants to grow and nurture them each year to enhance your water garden.
Jason Boonstra is the author of "The Ultimate Water Garden Manual" - compulsory reading for anyone considering an Water Garden Fountains. For a FREE 20 part mini-course on "The Secrets To Creating & Maintaining a Stunning Water Garden!" go to => http://www.watergardentips.com
