Plant Ideas to Use with Water Features

Water features are an excellent way to improve your landscaping. There are many different ways in which you can introduce them into your outdoor space, including fountains, ponds, birdbaths and waterfalls. Including the use of plants around such features can help to bring them to life. Even so, it is important to make the right choice of plants. Certain types of aquatic plants will naturally thrive in this type of environment while other plants will become waterlogged and eventually die, so it is critical to be sure you use the right plants.

One of the best types of plants to use with water features is the free floating plant type. These plants are also known as floating plants and will thrive on the surface of the water without any soil. They obtain all of the nutrients they need directly from the water. An excellent benefit to using these plants is that they can help to control the growth of algae in your water because they remove nitrogen from the water and also act as a type of natural filter. There are many different options for floating plants including water lettuce, duckweed, water hyacinth, fairy moss, frog bit and butterfly fern. It is a good idea to check with your local agricultural extension office regarding any type of floating plants that might be restricted in your area because they may have invasive characteristics.

Another option for plants to use are submerged plants. These underwater plants grow under the surface of the water. The benefits of these plants are that they provide purification to the water. They can also act as food and are essential if you have a feature with fish. These plants are typically grown in pots that are weighted and then placed at the bottom of the fountain or pond. Submerged plants can also offer shelter and shade for fish. Excellent examples of submerged plants include Canadian pondweed, hornwort, water milfoil, anacharis and dwarf sagittaria. Keep in mind that some types of these plants may be restricted in certain areas, so always check before you buy them.

Rooted floating plants can also be a good choice to use. These deep water plants grow along the bottom of your water feature and have foliage that will float to the top of the water. Eventually, they will completely cover the surface of the water.

Polly Godwin has been an expert on water features since 1998 and is the owner of DesignerFountains.com, a company specializing in the highest quality water fountains. Visit DesignerFountains.com today for expert advice and quality water fountains.