Creating a Lush Oasis: Planting Your Large Garden Pond in the UK

Gardens in the United Kingdom are renowned for their verdant beauty and natural charm. A quintessential element of these gardens is often a tranquil pond, providing a haven for aquatic life and a serene focal point for human enjoyment. Planting your garden pond is a creative and rewarding endeavour, and careful consideration of the plant species is crucial for creating a harmonious and thriving ecosystem. In this guide, we will explore the importance of selecting the right plants and delve into the specific varieties suitable for different depths of water.

Selecting the Right Plants: Before delving into the details of planting at different water depths, it’s essential to understand the significance of choosing the right plants for your garden pond. Native aquatic plants, which have adapted to the UK climate, are usually the best choice as they promote a balanced ecosystem while requiring minimal maintenance. When selecting plants, keep in mind the following categories:

Emergent Plants:
- These plants are ideal for the shallow edges of your pond, with their roots submerged while the foliage extends above the water’s surface.
- Recommended species: Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), and Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris).
Submerged Plants:
- Submerged plants thrive entirely beneath the water’s surface and provide oxygen while competing with algae for nutrients.
- Recommended species: Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and Elodea (Elodea canadensis).
Floating Plants:
- These plants float on the pond’s surface, providing shade and reducing sunlight penetration, which helps control algae growth.
- Recommended species: Water Lily (Nymphaea spp.), Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), and Duckweed (Lemna minor).

Planting at Different Depths: Large garden ponds often have varying depths, and it’s important to choose plants that thrive in each specific depth zone. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your pond but also supports a diverse range of aquatic life.

Shallow Zones (0-15 cm):
- In shallower areas, emergent plants like Yellow Flag Iris and Marsh Marigold thrive.
- These plants provide shelter for frogs and other small wildlife while adding colour and texture to your pond’s edge.
Intermediate Zones (15-60 cm):
- Submerged plants such as Hornwort and Water Milfoil are perfect for these depths.
- Their submerged growth helps maintain water clarity and oxygen levels while providing habitat for fish.
Deep Zones (60+ cm):
- Floating plants like Water Lilies and Water Hyacinths are excellent for deeper areas.
- They create beautiful floating gardens, offer shade for fish, and contribute to water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

Plants for different areas

Plants for the Margins (Shallow or Very Wet Areas)

The marginal area of your garden pond, where the water meets the land, is a crucial zone for both aesthetics and ecological balance. Here are some plant suggestions for these areas:

Cyperus papyrus (Marginal Aquatic): With its striking umbrella-like foliage, papyrus adds an exotic touch to your pond’s edge.
Hosta ‘T-Rex’ (Giant Plantain Lily): This hosta variety boasts enormous, textured leaves that create a lush, tropical feel around your pond.
Primula vialii: Known as the “candelabra primula,” this plant features tall spikes of purple-pink flowers in late spring, adding vertical interest.
Acorus gramineus ‘Variegatus’: With its pale yellow-striped leaves, this grass-like plant adds a pop of color and texture to your pond’s edge.
Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold): In early spring, this plant bursts forth with large golden flowers, making it a cheerful addition to your pond.
Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge): Its golden foliage brightens up the margins and complements other plantings.
Iris ensata: Japanese water iris offers blue, red, or white flowers on sturdy stems, adding a touch of elegance.
Veronica beccabunga (Brooklime): White-centred blue flowers make this a delicate choice for the pond’s edge.

Floating Plants

Floating plants not only add beauty but also provide shade and shelter for aquatic creatures. Here are two options for your garden pond:

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (Frogbit): Small white flowers and floating leaves make this a delightful choice. It may sink in winter but will return in spring.
Stratiotes aloides (Water Soldier): Floating just below the surface, this plant forms rosettes of leaves and adds visual interest. However, it can become invasive in smaller ponds.

Plants for Water 5 to 15 cm Deep

The area of your pond that is 5 to 15 cm deep offers a unique opportunity to showcase a variety of plants. Here are some recommendations:

Acorus calamus ‘Argenteostriatus’ (Sweet Flag): Its creamy-white variegated foliage stands out in this shallow zone.
Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush): This plant produces pink flowers in summer, reminiscent of miniature agapanthus blooms.
Iris laevigata: With rich blue flowers in June, this iris adds vibrant color to your pond’s shallows.
Juncus effusus f. spiralis (Corkscrew Rush): Its twisted corkscrew stems add a unique and playful texture.
Lobelia cardinalis: Known for its purplish foliage and scarlet flowers, it’s a stunning addition but may need winter frost protection in some regions.
Pontederia cordata (Pickerel Weed): With glossy leaves and blue flowers in late summer, it’s a striking choice for your pond’s margins.
Ranunculus lingua ‘Grandiflorus’ (Large-Flowered Spearwort): Tall stems and large yellow buttercup flowers create a bold statement.
Sagittaria sagittifolia (Old World Arrowhead): The double white-flowered form ‘Flore Pleno’ is particularly attractive.

Water 15–30cm (6in–1ft) Deep

The deeper waters of your pond provide the perfect canvas for some unique aquatic plants:

Menyanthes trifoliata (Bog Bean): With its olive-green trefoil leaves and pinkish white spring flowers, it adds elegance to the shallower depths.
Ranunculus flammula (Lesser Spearwort): Bright yellow flowers bring a burst of color to this zone.
Thalia dealbata: Its bold blue-green leaves are a standout feature in the deeper waters of your pond.
Zantedeschia aethiopica (Arum Lily): The fragrant white spathe and golden spadix make this plant a classic choice.

Water 30cm (1ft) or More

In the deepest parts of your pond, these plants thrive:

Alisma plantago-aquatica (Great Water Plantain): With its white flowers, it’s a majestic addition, but take care to remove dead flowers to prevent seeding.
Aponogeton distachyos (Water Hawthorn): Tuberous and fragrant, it adds an exotic touch to your pond. Be cautious about water snails, which can harm it.

Water Lilies

Water lilies are iconic and add beauty to your pond. Select the appropriate varieties based on the depth of your water:

Water 10–30cm (4in–1ft) Deep:
- Nymphaea odorata var minor: Fragrant and pink.
- N. tetragona: White.
- N. ‘Pygmaea Helvola’: Yellow flowers and marbled leaves.
- N. ‘Pygmaea Rubra’: Free-flowering and red.
Water 30–45cm (1–1½ft) Deep:
- Nymphaea ‘Aurora’: Cream opening yellow to orange.
- N. ‘Caroliniana Nivea’: Fragrant and white.
- N. ‘Charlene Strawn’: Lemon yellow.
- N. ‘Ellisiana’: Red.
- N. ‘Fire Crest’: Deep pink.
- N. ‘Froebelii’: Dark red.
- N. ‘Indiana’: Apricot-orange.
- N. ‘Laydekeri Fulgens’: Early free-flowering and red.
- N. ‘Laydekeri Lilacea’: Fragrant and rosy-lilac.
- N. ‘Lucidia’: Free-flowering and pink.
- N. ‘Mme Wilfon Gonnère’: Double pink.
- N. ‘Pink Sensation’: Pink.
Water 45–75cm (1½–2½ft) Deep:
- Nymphaea ‘Gonnere’: Fragrant and white.
- N. ‘Amabilis’: Tulip-shaped flowers, salmon pink
- N. ‘Attraction’: Red flowers darkening with age
- N. ‘Escarboucle’ AGM: Free flowering, red
- N. ‘Gladstoneana’ AGM: Free flowering, white