DIRECTORY OF READILY AVAILABLE MARGINAL AND OXYGENATING PLANTS IN THE UK

This Directory will gradually be updated with more and better pictures and more as they come.

If you have a common plant name in your mind and do not know the Latin plant name, if you click here it will take you to the Federation of British Aquatic Societies plant names page. Look up the Latin name there and come back.

CONTENTS:

Marginal Plants

Oxygenating plants or submerged aquatics

MARGINAL PLANTS

The ‘Depth of water over the soil’ figures are only a rough guide.

Acorus calamus variegatusAcorus calamus ‘Variegatus’: Variegated version of the Scented Rush. It has aromatic rootstock and leaves like an Iris with an insignificant horn of a spadix that is the flower, which emerges from the leaf in summer. It has been in this country since the Norman times and is therefore regarded as indigenous. Height: 50-80cm. Spread: 1metre. Depth of water over soil, 0-15cm.

 

 

 

 

Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus'Acorus gramineus ‘Variegatus’: A foliage plant, it has small grassy yellow striped lanceolate leaves. It grows happily in solid clumps and looks good for most of the year. It is thrives in nooks and crannies in streams. It only gets out of hand if it has no competition at all. Height: 25-35cm. Spread: 50cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-5 cm.

 

 

 

 

Alisma plantago-aquaticum, water plantainAlisma plantago-aquaticum, the Water Plantain. Indigenous. Arrow shaped leaves come before a huge spray of tiny white/grey flowers in July/August. It remains fairly contained if it is prevented from setting its seed. Height: 50-80cm. Spread: 50-80cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-20cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anemopsis californicaAnemopsis californica in profusion

Anemopsis californica, often called Houttuynia californica or Yerba, yerba. Hardy aquatic with pungent rootstock. Great medicinal value in Mexico. Also strung on necklaces in order to ward of malaria and other diseases.Throughout summer white flowers are borne on conical spadix,(red dots spread into the flowers as they age) with a whorl of petaloid bracts below, which gives the inflorescence the look of an anemone, hence the name. From California, grows 6inches high and spreads like a strawberry plant, making new plants at the end of runners. Not invasive though. Needs sun to part shade. Moist soil or up 3ins of water.

 

 

 

 

 

Aponogeton distachyos, Water HawthornAponogeton distachyos, Water Hawthorn, often grown as a marginal. Flowers March to May and September to December (see Deep Water plants). It has oval leaves and scented waxy flowers that appear on the surface of the water. Spread: 1 metre. Depth of water over the soil: 10-75cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blechnum nudum, Fishbone Water FernBelchnum nudum, Fisbone Water Fern (Triangle Farm), Evergreen Fern, possibly hardy to -10C (14F). Erect somtimes trunk-like rhizomes. 90cm(36ins) tall, lance shaped pinnate, mid-dark green fronds. Sterile fronds 40-100cm, fertile fronds 20-70cms. Height and spread 1m (3ft). Depth of water over soil: 0cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butomus umbellatus, Flowering RushButomus umbellatus, Flowering Rush or Pride of the Thames, has triangular sword shaped leaves, red in the spring, turning to green. Rose pink flowers are produced in umbels from June to July. It isButomus umbellatus indigenous. Height: 60-100 cm. Spread: 1 metre. Depth of water over the soil: 2.5 to 25cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calla palustris, Bog ArumCalla palustris, Bog Arum, is a pioneering plant growing on the water surface out into pond, but it presents no problem. It has waxy heart shaped heart shaped leaves and little arum like flowers in June or July followed by bright red seed heads. Height: 15-25cm. Spread: 1 metre. Depth of water over the soil: 2.5 to 25cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Caltha palustrisCaltha palustrisCaltha palustris, Marsh Marigold, King Cup the clarion of spring flowering from March/April to May with yellow flowers and slightly serrated leaves. Indigenous. Height : 30-50cm. A contained hummock, spread: 60cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-15cm.

 

 

 

 

Caltha palustris var.'Alba'Caltha palustris var. alba, white flowered Marsh Marigold, flowers sometimes in October but usually early spring. Height: 25-40cm. Spread: 50cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-10cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Caltha palustris 'Plena', Double Marsh MarigoldCaltha palustris ‘Plena’, the double Marsh Marigold flowers in early spring and often again later summer. Height: 25-50cm. Spread 50cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-15cm.Clatha palustris 'Plena' can sometimes have quite an orange tings

 

 

 

 

Caltha palustris var. polypetalaCaltha palustris var. polypetala doing the 'leap frog'Caltha palustris var. polypetala, it has large serrated leaves with large single flowers in late April/May. Less of a hummock than the above, it behaves more in a ‘leap frog’ fashion, growing to a height of 60-90cm and falling down amongst other plants or out into the water and rooting. Therefore its spread is 1 metre, but easy to control – a loveable rogue. Depth of water over soil: 5cm – 25cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Carex muskingumensis

Carex muskingumensis, Palm Sedge. Native of Eastern U.S. It looks like a bushy umbrella grass. Forms a clump. Tolerates full shade and will also grow in full sun when it gets a bit of a goldy/green colouring.Green tan flowers are borne on the end of stalks early summer. Height and spread 30-45cm (12-18ins). Moist soil or depth of water over soil: 5cm (2ins).

C.m.'Ice Fountains', white streaked foliage in the spring or areas that get cool nights.

C. m. 'Silberstreif', white margins on the leaves. Smaller than the species.

C. m. 'Little Midge', Miniature - 8-10cm tall (3-4 inches).Looks like Thrift without flower.

C. m. 'Oehme', found by famous landscape designer Wolfgang Oehme who gave it Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nusery to propagate. It starts off green in the spring and summer develops yellow margined.

C. m. 'Wachtposten', a large upright form with evenly dark foliage

Carex pendula - Weeping sedgeCarex pendula, Drooping sedge, Weeping Sedge. Tufted evergreen perennial forming dense clumps of relatively wide, keeled, shiny, mid-green leaves, blue green underneath. They are 90cm(36ins) long and in late spring arching brown flower spikes are produced 1.4m(4.5ft) long. The flower spikes are dark brown and catkin like 15cm (6ins) long, erect at first, drooping with age. Height 1.4m (4.5ft), spread 1.5m(5ft). Native of Europe and Nth Africa. Seeds itself like mad. Remove the flower spikes before they seed everywhere.

 

 

 

 

Carex riparia, Great Pond Sedge has course leaves and brown spikelets for flowers. Beware, a vigorous native, not a plant for a small pond. It also creates problems if it sets seed after flowering May/June. Height: 90-120cm and spread to 1 metre quickly. Depth of water over soil: 0-25cm.

Carex riparia 'Bowles Golden' making a splash of foliage colour amongs the flowering bog plants and marginalsCarex riparia ‘Bowles Golden’, is much more reserved in habit than its basic cousin. It makes an attractive foil for other foliage in the water garden and is usually attractive all year round. It flowers May to August. Height: 30-50cm. Spread: 50cm. Depth of water over the soil: 5- 20cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cotula coronopifoliaCotula coronopifolia, Brass or Golden Buttons, is an annual with a creeping habit that flowers from May to September. It sets seeds well and can colonise a muddy space if left to its own devices. Height: 20-40cm. Spread: 40cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-20cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cyperus longus, Sweet GalingaleCyperus longus in flowerCyperus longus, Sweet Galingale, is a tall native that can get out of hand if not checked every three or four years. Attractive dark green pendulous foliage and an ability to grow in the sun or shade make it a very useful filler and cover. Flowers in summer. Height: 60-120cm. Spread: 120cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dichromena colorataDichromena colorata in quantityDichromena colorata, it is an unusual looking plant that displays five green/white bracts around an insignificant flower, producing a white star shape from July until September. Height: 40-60cm. Spread 60cm. Depth of water over the soil: 2-5cm.

 

 

 

 

Equisetum hyemaleEquisetum ‘hyemale’, Horsetail, sends out echoes of a prehistoric age. However beware. These ‘dinosaurs’ are still around, not because they are sweet little pussycats, but because they can pretty much swamp most competition. Height 60-100, and spread unpredictable. Depth of water over soil: 0-15cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equisetum robustumEquisetum robustum, Horsetail, Height 60-100, and spread unpredictable. Depth of water over soil: 0-15cm.

 

 

 

 

 

The amazing cotton grass -Eriophorum angustifoliumThe seed heads of cotton grass were used to stuff pillows and matresses.Eriophorum angustifolium, Cotton Grass. Short angled stems and linear grooved, mainly basla leaves, 15-30cm (6-12ins) long, pointed at the tips. Umbels of 3-7 pendant, fluffy white spikelets appear in summer 3-5cm long(1-2inches). Height 30-445cm (12-18ins). Spread indefinite. Native to Northern Europe to the Artic, Russia and North America. Depth of water 0-5cm(0-2inches), preferably acid water.

 

 

 

 

Eupatorium cannabinum, Hemp Agrimony, has mid-green lanceolate leaves, reddish stems and reddish purple florets in rounded heads 12cm across from July to September. Height 60-120cm, spread 60cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-10cm.

Glyceria maxima 'Variegata'Glyceria maxima ‘Variegata’, Striped Water-grass will run everywhere if it likes the conditions. It has pinkish-red grass type foliage in spring, maturing to yellow and green later with pendulous inflorescence in June and July. Height 30-60cm with an unpredictable spread. Depth of over soil: 2.5 to 25cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Hippurus vulgaris - Mare's TailsHippurus vulgaris, Mares Tail. Beware – invasive. Stems standing stiffly out of the water that have densely packed whorls of narrow foliage. Height 25-30cm, spread unpredictable. Depth of water over the soil: 2-15cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Houttynia cordata 'Chamaeleon'Houttynia cordata ‘Chamaeleon’ has red, yellow and green tricolour cordate leaves with red stems. It has single white flowers August to September. Height 20-50 and spread 50cm if kept contained. Depth of water over soil: 0-10cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Houttynia cordata 'Plena'Houttynia cordata ‘Plena’: has bluish-green cordate leaves with a red edge and red stems. The white semi-double flowers have flecks of red on the end of the petals in August to September. Height 30-50cm, spread 50cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-25cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Iris ensata,varietiesIris ensata (Iris kaempferi), the Clematis flowered Iris comes in a huge variety of colours often with elaborate markings, in June to July. In order to thrive it needs to be in fairly dry conditions throughout winter. Height 60-90cm and spread 15-20cm. Depth of water in the summer only 0-10cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Iris laevigata, Water Iris has rich blue flowers in June. Height 60-90cm and spread 30cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-20cm.

Iris laevigata 'Variegata'Iris laevigata ‘Variegata’, can be difficult to establish but once it is, the bright green and white foliage is on show for most of the year and with blue flowers in June. Height: 50-60cm, spread: 60cm. Depth of water over soil: 2.5-10cm.

 

 

 

 

Iris pseudacorus - the yellow flag irisIris pseudacorus, Yellow Flag, the most vigorous Iris, with broad green foliage, flowers from May to June. Height and spread 60-100cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-25cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iris siberica are excellent as cut flowers. They will grow anywhere from the herbaceous border to the wettest bog, flowering in June. Height 60-100cm and spread 60cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-10cm.

Iris versicolor ‘Roy Elliot’, is an ornate a variety of I. versicolor. They are similar to I. pseudacorus in habit and ability to spread. Height 60cm, spread 60cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-25cm.

Juncus effusus - the soft rushJuncus effusus, Soft Rush is a native plant used by poor people in the past as substitute for candles. The central pith was carefully extracted and then dipped into beeswax or tallow. This was then effectively the candle and wick, which when lit would burn for up to an hour.
It has dark green stems and brown inflorescences from June to August. The pith within the stem is continuous, which is the main distinction from Juncus inflexus. It stays in its own clump but seeds all around. Height 30-120cm, spread 1 metre. Depth of water over soil: 0-25.

 

 

 

 

 

Juncus effusus var. spiralisJuncus effusus var. spiralis, Corkscrew Rush, very popular with designers as a ‘spot plant’ or central feature in a small pool because of its twisted corkscrew stems. Height 25-45cm and spread 45-50cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-10cm.
Juncus inflexus, Hard Rush, is another common native with bright green grass-like foliage and dark brown florescence from June to August. Height 55-75cm and spread 55cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-15cm.

 

 

 

Lobelia cardinalis provides a bright splash of colur to the margins at the height of summer.Lobelia cardinalis sometimes sold as L. splendens (syn. L.fulgens.) or L. 'Queen Victoria' has purplish-red foliage on stalks bearing brilliant red flowers from August to September. Height and spread 80-100cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-5cm. L. cardinalis has reddish purple stems and narrow ovate or longer leaves that can be bronze tinged or bright green. L. splendens
(syn. L. fulgens) has flushed red/purple leaves more lance shaped on downy dark red stems. L.'Queen Victoria' is clump forming short lived and with very deep purple stems and lance shaped deep purple leaves. They all have scarlet two-lipped flowers. The plants are roughly 90cm (36ins) high with a spead of 20cm (12ins) flowering late summer to mid autumn. There are other hybrids to confuse things even more of varying degrees of scarlet flowers and reddness or purple leaves and stems e.g. L.'Will Scarlet' - a Bowden Hybrid and L.'Bees Flame'.

 

 

 

 

 

Lobelia siphilitica - Blue cardinal flowerLobelia siphilitica has lanceolate light green leaves and bright blue flowers 2cm long from July to September. Height 45-90cm and spread 45cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-5cm. Native of the E. USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lychnis flos-cocculis - Ragged Robin
Lychnis flos-coculi, Ragged Robin has ragged rose-pink flowers from June to August. Height 50-75cm and spread 30cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-10cm. Although often sold as a marginal it is really a native of the the wet meadow and indigienous to the UK. A good indicator plant of an established and mature wet meadow.

 

 

 

 

 

Lysichiton camtschatcensisLysichiton amaericanus, American Skunk Cabbage, has bright yellow arum-like flowers in March to May followed by large dark green leaves.

Lysichiton camtschatcensis is similarThe American Skunk Cabbage, Lysichitum americanum, is a feature plant of the April water garden but has white flowers. Height and spread 40-100cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-30cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lysimachia nummularia - creeping JennyLysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, Creeping Jenny, is a familiar plant to most gardeners as a groundcover. Like the ordinary Creeping Jenny, this golden leaved version has bright golden flowers from June to August. Height 10-15cm, spread 1 metre. Depth of water over the soil: 0-15cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lysimachia nummularia variegata -Variegated form of Yellow LoosestrifeLysimachia thyrsiflora, Yellow Loosestrife, is a native and a popular border plant that also thrives in the wet. It has spikes of golden yellow flowers throughout July. Height 50-70cm and spread 1 metre. Depth of water over soil: 0-20cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lythrum salicaria, purple loosestrifeLythrum salicaria, Purple Loosestrife, a native plant of variable height with spikes of small reddish-purple blooms from July to September. Height 90-150cm and spread 1 metre. Depth of water over the soil: 0-15cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mentha aquatica, Water MintMentha aquatica, Water Mint, is a native plant that never seems to stay where it is put. It has egg-shaped serrated leaves with a purplish tinge to the new growth. The flowers are lilac whorls around the stem in late summer. Height is 30-60cm and the spread unpredictable. Depth of water over the soil: 0-20cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Menyanthes trifoliata or Bog BeanMenyanthes trifoliata, Bog Bean, has trifoliate olive-green foliage and pink tipped delicate small white flowers in April/May. It is a surface rambler, softening the orderly edges of the pool. Height 30-40cm, spread 100-150cm but easily controlled. Depth of water over the soil: 5-30cm.

 

 

 

Mimulus luteus - monkey muskMimulus luteus, Monkey Musk. Serrated leaves with yellow flowers from May to August, variably marked with maroon and brown spots. Height 20-40cm, spread 40-100. Depth of water above the soil, 2.5-15cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Mimulus luteus x M. guttatus hybrid. M. ‘Major Bees’. As above.

Myosostis palustrisWater Forget-me-Not lining the banks of a streamMyosotis palustris or Myosotis scorpiodes, Water Forget-me-not is indigenous. It has elongated hairy spoon shaped leaves and clusters of little blue flowers in May and sometimes again in August. Height and spread, 20-30cm. Depth of water over the soil: 5-40cm.

 

 

 

 

 

Golden club or Orontium aquaticum is out in AprilOrontium aquaticum, Golden Club, lance shaped leaves 5 to 12inches in length. Grows in part shade to full shade in moist soil or water up to 6inches deep. Height 6-10inches and spread 12-18inches.Native to North america Zones 5-11. It grows larger in warm climates but manages to overwinter as a smaller plant even in icy ponds quite easily. Flowers consist of white spadices with terminal spikes of many small yellow flowers. Propagate by division of rootstock. Or grow from seed after stratifying the seed in the cold for 30days. They will sprout in 2 to 3 weeks in moist compost at 60F.

 

 

 

Petasites hybridus is a perennial with thick stems topped
with many pink flower heads in March to April. These are followed by
large, very wide leaves. Height 100-125, spread unpredictable. Depth of
water over soil: 0-5cm.

 

Petasites japonicus in the wild doing very well for itself.

Petasites japonicus Kidney shaped irregular toothed leaves hairy beneath and up to 80cm(32in) across on stalks up to 1m(over 3ft long). Corymbs of densely clustered yellow flowers 1.5cm(half inch) across, with oblong bracks below are produced by before the leaves in late winter or early spring. Invasive. Height 1.1m (3.5ft), spread 1.5m(5ft). From Chinea, Korea and Japan.Depth of water over soil 0-5cm.

 

 

 

Phalaris arundinacea var. pictaPhalaris arundinacea var. picta, Reed Canary Grass is a grassy aquatic with green and white striped leaves. It can be vigorous, so small pool owners treat with care. Height and spread 75-150cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-15cm.

 

 

 

 

Phalaris canariensisPhalaris canariensis (more yellowy leaves)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phragmites australis - Norfolk Reed or common reedPhragmites australis, Common Reed or Norfolk Reed. Indigenous to this country, this plant has travelled the world over and has innumerable uses, including for thatching. It is a strong growing grass with purple to violet plumes of florescence from July to October. Height 180- 300, spread unlimited. Depth of water over soil, 50cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phragmites australis variegatusPhragmites australis variegatus, is a yellow and green variegated version of the common reed. Not quite as vigorous. Height 180cm. Depth of water over soil, 30cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pontedaria cordataPontedaria cordata, Pickerel Weed has heart shaped green leaves with clusters of closely packed blue flowers borne on a spike from August to September. Height and spread 60-80cm. Depth of water over soil: 10-30cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ranunculus flammula, Lesser Spearwort has small lanceolate leaves with branching stems holding large numbers of small yellow buttercup shaped flowers from June to September. Height 20-30cm and spread 30-40cm. Depth of water over the soil: 5-20cm.

Ranunculus lingua ‘Grandiflora’, Greater Spearwort, has long ovate deep green leaves with buttercup type flowers. It is indigenous but, as is often the case with native plants, it is fairly rampant. Height 60-90cm and spread as large as the pond. Depth of water over the soil: 10cm-30cm.

 

Sagittaria sagittifolia var.leucopetala 'Flore Pleno'Sagittaria sagittifolia var. leucopetala ‘Flore Pleno’, Double Arrowhead. This is the double form of the Arrowhead flowering from July to August. Height and spread 50-80cm. Depth of water over the soil: 10-20cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sauraurus cernuusSaururus cernuus, Lizard’s Tail. Green heart shaped leaves with white pendulous flowers in July. Height and spread 40-90cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-20cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schizostylis coccinea, Crimson FlagSchizostylis coccinea, Crimson Flag, Kaffir Lily. Temperate bulbous-like herb from South Africa. From the the Iradaceae family, similar to gladioli. Not really a a water plant but enjoys plenty of moisture and will tolerate 1 to 2ins emersion. Height and spread 1 to 3ft (1mtre). Sheathed sword shaped green leaves and 10 to 14 crimson flowers2ins (5cm) across spaced along each stem any time from September to November. There are pink and red cultivars.

 

 

 

 

Scirpus angustifolius see Eriophorum angustifolium, Cotton Grass. A native plant with stiff grass-type foliage, in summer, fluffy heads of white cotton like flowers are carried on tall stems. Height and spread 30-50cm. Depth of water over the soil: 2.5-10cm.

Scirpus lacustris ssp. tabernaemontani 'Albescens'Scirpus lacustris ssp. tabernaemontani ‘Albescens’, variegated Bulrush. This is the variegated form of the Bulrush. Beware of the non-variegated form. This one has tall cylindrical foliage with green and white vertical variegations. Height and spread 90-120cm. Depth of water over the soil: 5-30cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scirpus lacustris ssp.tabernaemontani 'Zebrinus' -Striped or Zebra RushScirpus lacustris ssp. tabernaemontani ‘Zebrinus’, Zebra Rush, has cylindrical foliage with green and white horizontal stripes, brown flower heads in July to August. Height 75-110 cms, spread 100cms. Depth of water over soil: 5-30cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scrophularia auriculata ‘Variegata’. This has tall heart-shaped nettle-like leaves on a square stem. Grown mainly for its foliage early in the season, it has insignificant flowers from July to August. Height 60-90cm, spread 50cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-10cm.

Sisyrinchium ‘E. K. Balls’ will grow anywhere from rockery to water margins. It is a clump forming semi-evergreen perennial with linear leaves. All summer there is a succession of star shaped mauve flowers 2cm across. Height and spread 25cm. Depth of water over soil: 0-5cm.

Sisyrinchium californicumSisyrinchium californicum. Another adaptable plant that self seeds prolifically, slightly smaller at 20cm with yellow flowers. Depth of water over soil: 0-5cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sparganium erectum, Branched BurweedSparganium erectum, Branched Burweed. An indigenous plant with a stiff erect branched stem, it flowers June to August leaving these remarkable seed heads. Height 60-100, spread 30cm. Depth of water over soil: 5-40cm.

 

 

 

 

Typha latifolia, Great Reed Mace. The flower and then seeds are in a close cylindrical spike that becomes brown and velvety. This is everybody’s idea of a pond plant, but great consideration should be made before including it on your list of plants for your pond. It grows upwards and outwards at a phenomenal rate and once established will send underwater runners across a 4 metre pond in less than a season. If it sets seed, each seed-head can contain upwards from 175,000 viable seeds. No wonder it can be found all over the world. Height 120-240cm and spread 240cm minimum. Depth of water over soil 10-50cm, but once established it will float its stems in any depth.

Typha minimaTypha minima, Miniature Bulrush is the safe alternative to the above with a much more reserved spirit. Flowers July to September and has small almost cylindrical velvety seed heads. Height 40-60cm, spread 80cm. Depth of water over soil: 5-20cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veronica beccabungaVeronica beccabunga, Brooklime a native and a spreading plant with almost succulent stems, ovate leaves and clusters of small bright blue flowers all through summer. Height 20-30cm and spread 100cm if it enjoys its situation. Depth of water over soil: 0-15cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zantedeschia aethiopica, Arum LilyZantedeschia aethiopica ‘Crowborough’, Arum Lily. This variety is always considered the most hardy of the Arum Lilies. It has glossy arrow-shaped leaves and large pure white arum flowers with a deep golden yellow spathe, in August through to September. Height and psread 50-100cm. Depth of water over the soil: 0-25cm.)

 

 

 

 

OXYGENATING PLANTS or SUBMERGED AQUATICS

The plants that live below the surface of the water of the pond produce essential oxygen in the daytime during to the process of photosynthesis when they manufacture the sugars to be used for growth from the energy in sunlight and carbon dioxide amongst other things. This is produced by the respiration of the animals and fish in the pond and the plants own transpiration at night.
These submerged plants also provide cover and a spawning mat for fish (N.B. and food for snails).

Anacharis alsinastrum.also known as Elodea canadensis and Philotria canadensis, sometimes referred to as , Canadian Pondweed or even Drain Devil or Babington’s Curse after the Cambridge Professor that introduced it to this country in 1847. It has smaller leaves than the Elodea crispa and is extremely vigorous particularly in new ponds. Once you have it in your pond it seems forever trying to fill it up with vegetation quicker than you can remove it. In its favour, it has been said that it is excellent at removing toxins from water.

Callitriche, Water Starwort is indigenous. It is a good oxygenator and is grazed by fish. It sends up bright green growths up to the surface in starry masses.

Hornwort on the left and milfoil on the right can look very similar in and out of the water. You can feel the difference though.Ceratophyllum demersum, Hornwort is very hardy and survives in great depth and shade and can be just thrown in to fend for itself. Despite being slender and brittle it grows to great lengths.

 

 

 

 

 

Elodea canadensis, also known as Anacharis alsinastrum and Philotria canadensis, sometimes referred to as , Canadian Pondweed or even Drain Devil or Babington’s Curse after the Cambridge Professor that introduced it to this country in 1847. It has smaller leaves than Elodea crispa below and is extremely vigorous particularly in new ponds. Once you have it in your pond it seems forever trying to fill it up with vegetation quicker than you can remove it. In its favour, it has been said that it is excellent at removing toxins from water.

Laragasiphon major or curly pond weed, you may not believe it but it the best oxygenating weed.Collect bunches of 4 or 5 10cm long cuttingsElodea crispa syn. Lagarosiphon major and commonly called Curly Pondweed. By far the most efficient oxygenator, it is not a native plant but it is easily kept under control if it does get out of hand in small pools.

 

 

 

 

 

Hottonia palustris or water violetHottonia palustris or Water Violet is native and has tiny little whorls of flowers that emerge up to 20cm above the water surface in early summer. It dies back completely in the autumn after forming little buds that sink beneath the mud. In the following spring it re-emerges from these buds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laragasiphon major syn. Elodea crispa, aka curly pondweed.Lagarosiphon major syn. Elodea crispa and commonly called Curly Pondweed. By far the most efficient oxygenator, it is not a native plant but it is easily kept under control if it does get out of hand in small pools.

 

 

 

 

Myriophyllum spicatum or Water Milfoil is a good oxygenator for small pools, preferring calcareous or 'limey' water. This has a little flower spike that emerges from below the water surface.

Myriophyllum proserpinacoides or Parrots Feather Myriophyllum proserpinacoides or Parrots Feather, often sold as an oxygenator but apt to float its foliage on the surface is a plant to avoid especially in large pools in mild areas. It tends to choke up the environment in no time at all.

 

 

 

 

Potamageton crispus or curly pond weed.Potamageton crispus or Curled Pondweed is an excellent plant for slow moving streams where its colour and leaf shape is shown off to its best.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Buttercup growing in a riverWater buttercup in close upRanunculus aquatalis or Water Crowfoot or water buttercup is another flowering oxygenator. There are 10 different types that grow in this country, some very particular about their habitat. They all have has fine feathery leaves below the water surface and sometimes buttercup-like ones above the surface. The early spring flowers are like buttercups with white petals. It is a perfect plant for streams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utricularia vulgaris, Common bladderwort: The little bladders catch tiny swimming creatures and digest them. The flowers are held above the surface of the water.Utricularia vulgaris, bladderwort. The name derives from the insect-catching organ of the plant.