The 20 best pond plants for every water depth

A pond is a great eye-catcher - but it only becomes a real eye-catcher with the right plants. We show which plants are best suited.

Whether a small water feature or a large swimming pond - especially in summer, a garden pond is the center of every garden and attracts everyone's attention. However, so that the cool water does not look out of place, beautiful pond plants are essential, because only this makes the pond a real gem. But just like in the rest of the garden is also at pond plants the right location is important, after all the demands on the sun as well as the right water depth are to be considered when placing your plants. We will tell you here which pond plants you should not be without and for which depths they are suitable.

5 pond plants for the wet zone

The wet zone is the outermost area of ​​any pond and is therefore often overlooked when mentioning pond plants as it is not visible and is submerged. Nevertheless, planting this zone with permanently moist soil is important to make your pond an eye-catcher. The wet zone extends from the water level to the so-called capillary barrier, i.e. the point up to which the pond liner was pulled up.

1. Hanging sedge

Extremely decorative and at the same time wonderfully uncomplicated - these two properties ensure that the hanging sedge (Carex pendula) is considered the perfect pond plant. The robust perennial grows up to 1.50 meters high and attracts everyone's attention with its overhanging growth and delicate flower spikes. In addition, the hanging sedge is evergreen, so that it also sets attractive accents in winter.

2. tiered primrose

With its magical inflorescences that look as if they are spread out in tiers, the tiered primrose (Primula bulleyana) an attractive eye-catcher. Especially their noble flowers and their tall growth of up to 70 centimeters ensure that the plant attracts everyone's attention during its flowering period from June to July. Unfortunately, the tiered primrose is often not particularly long-lived. But don't worry - the plant will reliably sow itself again.

3. Spiderwort

Actually, the garden spiderwort (Tradescantia x andersoniana) is better known as a garden plant - but you can also plant it wonderfully in the wet zone of a pond. Especially for the transition between garden bed and pond planting is the Spiderwort Ideally suited: With its eye-catching, wheel-shaped flowers and bristly growth, the plant attracts everyone's attention.

4. loosestrife

In any case, the provides color in the bed loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) with its pink, red or even dark purple inflorescences. As a native wild perennial from swamp areas, the attractive plant is not only perfectly adapted to life in the wet zone, but is also considered extreme butterfly friendly and also convinces with its extensive water purification ability. Due to its growth height of up to 80 centimeters, the plant is more suitable as a background planting - otherwise it quickly steals the appearance of everyone else.

5. checkered flower

Hardly any other plant has such an extraordinary flower as this one checkered flower (Fritillaria meleagris) - the rounded bluebells with the unique pattern in strong purple are a real eye-catcher. But the flowers are not only an attractive decoration, they also offer benefits such as bumblebees and bees a richly laid table. The flower likes it particularly well in the wet zone or on the outer edge of the swamp zone, so that with a bit of luck the plant will even spread by itself.

5 pond plants for the swamp zone

The swamp zone is the part of the pond that connects to the wet zone and slowly leads towards the middle of the pond. A fluctuating water level is characteristic of this zone, so that not all plants are suitable for this area. In general, it is assumed that there is a water depth of 0 to 10 centimeters in the swamp zone.

1. marsh marigold

A real classic in the marsh zone is the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris): With its large number of small yellow flowers and glossy leaves, the plant is a must for every garden pond. Especially in ponds that tend to be in the shade, the marsh marigold can hardly be imagined without it, because it also develops its full beauty in rather dark places. In addition, the marsh marigold has a water-purifying effect.

2. frog spoon

The frog spoon (Alisma plantago aquatica) is probably one of the most interesting plants in the swamp zone and is much more attractive than the name suggests. Especially the contrast between the spoon-like leaves and the extremely filigree flower formations makes the plant so enchanting. The frog spoon is also considered a particularly good water purifier, because it absorbs excess nutrients from the water and thus ensures consistently good water quality.

3. swamp iris

The swamp iris (Iris versicolor) is particularly known at the pond as an extravagant beauty: its magnificent blue-violet flowers with the filigree drawings are real feast for the eyes and enchant yours in June and July viewer. In addition to its beauty, the swamp iris also impresses with its tough nature - the herbaceous plant is considered frost-resistant and is perennial.

4. water mint

Anyone who thinks that pond plants are beautiful but not useful is not yet water mint (Mentha aquatica) encountered: With its fresh, typically minty smell, the plant not only spoils the nose, but also attracts all kinds of beneficial insects. People especially like water mint as a tea, as it is a bit milder than its sister, the mint peppermint (mentha x piperita), is. But the water mint can also score visually, because with its numerous spherical inflorescences it is a real eye-catcher.

5. swamp calla

In the wild, the swamp calla (Calla palustris) now unfortunately rare. It is all the better that more and more pond owners are discovering the attractive marsh plant for themselves. The impressive plant attracts everyone's attention, especially with its striking bract, which is white on the inside. But the red, berry-like fruits that develop from the inconspicuous flowers are also a great decoration. The beautiful plant should only be enjoyed with caution in households with small children: all parts of the plant are slightly poisonous.

5 pond plants for the shallow water zone

Plants in the shallow water zone are characterized by their particular robustness and hardness. No wonder, after all, this zone represents the transition from the swamp zone to deep water and has an average water level of 10 to 40 centimeters.

1. Cattails

The Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia) is probably one of the best-known riverside residents and is a true beauty with its velvety inflorescences. But with a size of over two meters and an enormously high nutrient requirement, it is hardly suitable for smaller ponds. Here one should prefer to climb the dwarf cattail (Typha minimal) fall back: The little brother of the bulrush is only about 60 centimeters high, but also forms the popular bulrush and is therefore an attractive substitute. The dwarf cattail is also not inferior to the larger plants in its water purification function and proves to be a real insider tip in the fight against algae.

2. needle ledges

Admittedly, with its long, pointed stems, the needle rush (Eleocharis acicularis) at first glance rather inconspicuous. But on closer inspection, the plant has its visual appeal. The needle rush scores with an interesting play of colors that ranges from light green at the tips to purple at the base of the leaves. In addition to its appearance, the needle ledge also has two other major advantages: On the one hand, it is ideal for On the other hand, it is an excellent water purifier, which makes life particularly difficult for algae power.

3. hedgehog butt

Extravagant flowers and clumpy growth – the hedgehog (Sparganium erectum) quickly turns into an absolute eye-catcher in the garden. Especially its flower balls, which look like greenish-white morning stars, make the pond plant particularly attractive. But also its fruits, which look like curled-up hedgehogs and gave the plant its name make them one of the most interesting aquatic creatures and a must-have for everyone Garden pond.

4. swan flower

When the swan flower (Butomus umbellatus) presents its flowers from June to August, you know exactly where its name comes from: Elegant and The filigree inflorescences sit on the plant as lovely as a swan and enchant yours viewer. Its honey-sweet scent and attraction to insects also make the plant so popular. With a growth height of up to 120 centimetres, the swan flower is the undisputed eye-catcher in the garden pond.

5. pike weed

It doesn't always have to be flowers - but if a decorative leaf plant also comes with decorative flowers, it's all the better. The pike weed (Pontederia cordata) scores with exactly this property: Even its heart-shaped leaves are extremely decorative, yes From June onwards, when he shows his spikes, which are covered with nothing but small, blue flowers, he shows his whole splendor.

5 pond plants for the deep water zone

The deep water zone is the heart of every pond and has a water depth of at least 40 centimetres. Floating plants are particularly popular here, which is why this zone is also called the floating leaf zone. But other plants also feel comfortable in this area.

1. water lettuce

lettuce on the water? In fact, the name of the water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) like the fist in the eye - the floating plant with its light green, shell-like leaves actually looks confusingly like a head of lettuce. But in addition to its attractiveness as a decorative leaf plant, the water lettuce also convinces with its useful effect. The plant is perfect for algae prophylaxis and also serves as an indicator for the biological balance in the pond. Only the German winter does not like the exotic plant, because unfortunately it is not frost-resistant.

2. floating fern

The floating fern (Salvinia natans) is probably one of the easiest to care for and most robust plants that you can cultivate in your pond. The uncomplicated water dweller feels comfortable from a water depth of 10 centimeters to the deep water zone and requires almost no maintenance. With its elliptical leaves, which have small bristles on the upper side and therefore have an interesting lotus effect, the plant is also visually not to be scoffed at.

3. sea ​​can

Bright yellow flowers with fascinating fringes are the trademark of the Seekanne (Nymphoides peltata). The native aquatic plant is a real insider tip when it comes to great floral decorations in the deep water zone. But not only its appearance makes the plant a perfect addition to any pond: thanks to its hydropots the plant reliably filters the pond water and its lush foliage ensures balanced water temperatures.

4. fir fronds

If you are looking for a striking contrast to the usual pond plants, the fir tree (Hippuris vulgaris) struck it rich: With its needle-like leaves and reddish-brown flowers, the plant is reminiscent of the miniature version of mighty conifers rising out of a Scandinavian lake. The fact that the leaves of the pine tree remain green even in winter reinforces this impression even more. Its water-purifying effect also makes the plant so popular - it prevents excessive algae growth, especially in ponds with fish.

5. water lily

It is the classic among pond plants - the water lily (Nymphaea) is a real beauty and an absolute must for every pond. The floating plants with their large, eye-catching flowers are a real feast for the eyes and enchant with their lovely charm. However, gardeners are particularly pleased with the enormous diversity of the plant species: from small dwarf water lilies (Nymphaea pygmaea), which only need a water depth of 10 to 30 centimeters, to the giant water lily (Victoria), which only thrives in tropical areas and can develop a leaf diameter of up to three meters, there is something for almost every pond.

What you at Purchase and maintenance of the various pond plants we will tell you here.