There are Many Types of Water Plants - Annual and Perennial

Marginal, Submerged, Bog, Upright, and Horizontal Water Plants

There are many types of water plants for your pond.

There are many of types and varieties of water plants available for your pond: Bog, Marginal, Submerged, and Floating.

Within each categories there are "Hardy" and "Tropical" varieties. Hardy are perennial, and Tropical are considered as annuals.

Bog Plants Water depths of 0" over crown

Bog plants are plants that live in moist soil. Bog plants typically prefer to have just their "feet" wet - meaning: just their roots. Usually, a bog doesn't have long term standing water over the soil level. Virtually all marginal plants live comfortably in bog areas, but bog plants typically can't tolerate the deeper water depths that the marginal plants can. Bog plants are great for the edges of ponds and streams.

A few examples of bog plants:

Sarracenia - also known as "Carnivorous Plants" and/or "Pitcher Plants".

There are many varieties of Sarracenia available. Part of the interest in these plants is that they are "Mosquito Eaters". They trap and metabolize mosquitoes, gnats, and other small insects.
Sarracenia grow at the edges of ponds and streams where the "crown" of the plant can be above the water line. (The "crown" is the line where the plant enters the soil) They grow in sun to part shade and can grow to 24" tall.

Sarracenia - "Carnivorous Plants" "Pitcher Plants" Sarracenia - also known as "Carnivorous Plants" and/or "Pitcher Plants"

Some varieties of Sarracenia resemble Japanese Lanterns and/or Dragon Heads! They are endlessly fascinating and beautiful - and are a "must have" plant in all pond edges, streams, and or container bog gardens.

Other bog plant varieties are Gunnera Manicata - also known as Giant Brazilian Rhubarb.

Marginal Plants Water depths 0" - 6" over crown

Marginal plants are plants that can live in water up to 6" over the crown of the plant. These plants are suitable for the edges of your pond. They can also be planted in streams. Marginal plants can bloom while some don't. They all add character and interest to your pond.

Types of waterfall plants include Aquatic Iris.

Aquatic Iris are a beautiful addition to the margins of your pond.

A few examples of marginal plants:

Aquatic Iris

There are many varieties, sizes, and colors of iris available. All bloom in spring to early summer. Grow in full sun to part shade. All have exceptionally beautiful blossoms.

Aquatic Iris is a "must have" in every pond.

Blossoms range from white to yellow to purple, blue to red. Each color also features either blue, purple, yellow, red, and orange - or a mixture of colors.

Iris blossoms are at the end of tall stocks that lift the flower above the leaves. Iris blossoms make beautiful floral arrangements inside the home!

Rush are types of water plants that add vertical contrast to your pond.

Zebra rush is a type of water plant that grows in the margins of your pond.

Curley rush is a type of water plant that adds unique texture to your pond.

Rush - Juncus

Dwarf Rush
Curley Rush
Variegated Rush
Zebra Rush
Compact Rush
Common Rush
Blue Rush
and many others

Rushes are an important aquatic plant as they provide texture, color, and interest. They also provide a backdrop for flowering aquatic plants. Some Rushes are evergreen - providing interest during the winter months.

Cattails are types of water plants that add year-round interest to your pond.

Cattail - Typha

Miniature Cattail
Dwarf Cattail
Variegated Cattail
Common Cattail
Graceful Cattail

Cattail are also important aquatic plants that provide vertical texture and winter interest to any pond.

When "blooming", the plumes provide striking texture and beauty. The photo on the left is of Dwarf Cattail.

Water canna are types of water plants that add dramatic beauty to your pond.

Canna - cannaceae

Types of water plants include beautiful water canna There are Hardy Canna and Tropical Canna. By far, the Tropical Cannas have the most striking foliage and the most beautiful blooms.

Lotus adds stunning beauty to your pond.

Lotus, & Hardy and Tropical Water Lilies

There is nothing quite like the beauty and elegance that Lotus brings to your pond.

Lotus blooms can be as large as dinner plates! The leaves can be even larger!

Hardy Water Lilies are perennial. Tropical Water Lilies are annual. Its best for color and texture to have a mixture of both in the pond.

Hardy Water Lily blooms float on the surface of the water while Tropical Water Lily blooms rise above the water.

Hardy water lilies are types of water plants that are beautiful and easy to grow.

Both Hardy and Tropical Water Lilies provide shade for your fish - and shades algae from the sunlight it needs. They are easy to grow, and provide dramatic beauty to your pond.

No pond is complete without a beautiful mix of water lilies.