Ponds can become a key feature of any garden, but to really get a pond looking its best you need the right plants. Planting out a pond can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. Here I will guide you through some of my favourite pond plants. If you are just creating your first pond then you will definitely need a good pond pump, check out our guide to the best pond pumps here.
Water Lilies (Pach/Apricot)
I love lilies, so much so I named my daughter Lily! When you think of a pond everyone pictures a beautiful water lily floating just on the water’s surface. The apricot coloured water lilies are a particular favourite of mine.
Plant in still water away from splashing fountains. Lower gradually so the leaves can stretch to the surface within a few days. Remove dead leaves and flowers during the growing season. Flowers June-September.
Fibre Optic Plant / Cotton Bud Grass (Scirpus cernuus)
Scirpus cernuus is often called the fibre optic plant or cotton bud grass. This grass has slender green foliage, on the tips are buff coloured flowers. The flowers resemble the look of fibre optic lights hence the common name. This is great for filling out the edges of your pond.
Little maintenance is required. Trim just above the water surface after foliage has died back in autumn to tidy. Flowers June-August. Minimum height 40cm; maximum height 60cm. Maximum depth 20cm.
