Pond Plants: Species, Buying & Cutting

Pond plants make a garden pond a real eye-catcher. Here you can find out what you should consider when buying, the types and the care.

A beautiful pond is often the heart of the perfect garden. For many a hobby gardener, however, it quickly turns into a nightmare. In a few simple steps, we will show you how you can prevent this and what you should consider when buying, specifying and caring for pond plants.

Pond plant species: an overview

The most important point when planting a pond is - as is so often the case - the right planning. When planning, make sure that your pond has an area of ​​at least 7 m² owns. This makes it much easier to maintain the biological balance. It is also important to ensure that you plan the division into planting zones properly, as different plants have individual requirements for the respective water level. In the following four sub-chapters, we will go into more detail about these special requirements.

Pond plants for the shore zone

All plants that like moisture, but cannot withstand waterlogging and constant contact with water, are at home in the shore zone. Above all, you should use plants with a high nutrient requirement here, as this is where they thrive best. Irises (iris), Cuckoo carnations (Silene flos-cuculi), Young boywort (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Sumpfziest (Stachys palustris). These species are hardy and relatively undemanding in their care and fertilization.

Pond plants for the swamp and shallow water zone

The swamp zone is usually on the edge of the pond and is between 0 and 10 cm deep. It flows smoothly into the somewhat deeper shallow water zone, which reaches a water depth of up to 30 cm. The two zones offer space for numerous plants and animals, which - depending on their size - feel comfortable in a water depth of 10 to 30 cm. These plants have an important filter function that prevents algae from spreading too much. In order to integrate these two zones in the garden pond, you have to delimit the areas from the deeper water zone. Marsh marigolds are particularly suitable for planting (Calla palustris).

Pond plants for the water zone

The water zone covers a depth of 40 to 100 cm and contains mainly water lilies (Nymphaea), Water hyacinths (Eichhornia) or Lotus (Nelumbo), as only plants with very long stems make it to the surface. Because of their beauty and vigor, these are an enrichment for every pond.

Pond plants for the deep zone

The deep zone of a pond, which begins at 100 cm, is populated by underwater or floating plants, which have the important property of bringing oxygen into the pond. They include horn leaf (Ceratophyllum), Pine fronds (Hippuris vulgaris), Water crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis) and water salad (Pistia stratiotes).

Buy pond plants

When buying pond plants, you should pay particular attention to the time of year, as it is best to repot and use them as soon as you receive them. As explained in more detail in the following chapter “Using pond plants”, late spring is suitable here.

It is best to use your local nursery if they offer aquatic plants, as you can check the quality of the plants there directly. Pay attention to the roots and the condition of the leaves. These should look fresh and show no signs of disease or pests. If you are not sure whether one of your plants is infected by pests or diseases after purchasing it, do not use them under any circumstances. If in doubt, it is better to wait to see whether the signs become clearer.

If there is no dealer in your area, the online shops are Naturagart and Pond plant pond construction highly recommended. Quality and price as well as delivery and service are good and reliable here.

Inserting pond plants: instructions and season

The ideal time of year to start creating or planting is late spring. Outside temperatures of 15 ° C and more prevent damage to the pond liner, which can become brittle at low temperatures if the pond is not filled. Pond plants that are not hardy - such as the tropical lotus (Nelumbo) and types of the swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus) - can now also be planted without hesitation. Ideally, plant baskets are used for this, which are filled with pond soil. This soil has a high clay content and few nutrients, which prevents algae infestation. Once you have planted the plants, put a thin layer of gravel on top of the pond soil to prevent upwelling.

Before the pond is filled, put the plants in their respective positions. If your pond is already full or you want to bring new plants into the pond, we will give you two options below. If you have a thirst for adventure, it is advisable to invest in a good pair of rubber boots or fishing trousers. Alternatively, use a long pole with a hook on the end. Since plant baskets for pond plants are perforated, the hook should have approximately the same dimensions. Simply insert the hoe through one of the holes and test the planting on land beforehand. With a little practice, you can place all of your plants in their designated locations with ease.

Cut and care for pond plants

In the case of prolonged hot periods in summer, it is particularly important to add water to the pond. Rainwater from the cistern or tap water is best suited for this, as it has a cooling and ventilating function. Do not forget to pay attention to the bank and edge zones, because these plants also have an increased need for water in summer.

Should a strong plant growth occur, simply cut back the respective plants generously and carefully remove the dead parts from the pond. If too much dead plant material remains in the pond, sludge will form from the rotting parts of the plant. Ultimately, this leads to the pond becoming cloudy and increased algae formation.

Hibernate pond plants

If the temperature drops below 12 ° C, you should stop feeding the fish slowly and remove the non-winter-hardy plants from the pond. To overwinter these frost-free, simply cut back the plants. Be sure to remove any dead material to prevent disease. Store the plants in a tub or tub as they need their usual humidity. The wintering should take place in a cool, lighted place, temperatures below 12 ° C are recommended.

Before the onset of winter, you should also skim off leaves and other organic material from the pond surface and remove them. Then cut reeds, cattails and other tall plants just above the waterline and remove this organic waste from the pond as well. This is important to ensure the subsequent gas exchange when the ice surface is closed and to prevent the pond from silting up. In any case, you should prevent the pond from completely freezing over, otherwise fermentation gases can form under the surface.

Summary: Planting, maintaining and hibernating pond plants

Finally, here is a small checklist to help you get started with pond maintenance:

• Insertion of new plants from 15 ° C outside temperature
• Use only healthy seedlings
• Regular pruning of vigorous plants
• Dispose of dead organic material from the pond
• Add fresh water in summer
• Do not take hardy plants out of the pond at low temperatures
• Keep the pond free of ice in winter