Pond plants make a garden pond a real eye-catcher. Here you can find out what you should consider when buying, types and care.
A beautiful pond is often the centerpiece of the perfect garden. For some hobby gardeners, however, it quickly turns into a nightmare. In a few simple steps we will show you how you can prevent this and what you should consider when buying, types and care for pond plants.
Pond plant species: an overview
The most important point when planting a pond is - as so often - the right planning. When planning, make sure that your pond has an area of at least 7 m2. This makes it much easier to maintain biological balance. It is also important to ensure that you also plan the division into planting zones properly, since different plants have individual requirements for the respective water level. In the following four sub-chapters we will go into more detail about these special requirements.
Pond plants for the riparian zone
The riparian zone is home to all plants that like moisture but cannot stand waterlogging and constant contact with water. Here you should primarily use plants with high nutrient requirements, as they thrive best there. Among the most beautiful plants that are suitable for edging the pond are irises (Iris), cuckoo carnations (Silene flos-cuculi), fox orchid ( Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Marsh Ziest (Stachys palustris
). These species are hardy and relatively undemanding in their care and fertilization.
Pond plants for swamp and shallow water zones
The swamp zone is normally located at the edge of the pond and is between 0 and 10 cm deep. It flows smoothly into the slightly deeper shallow water zone, which reaches a water depth of up to 30 cm. The two zones offer space for numerous plants and animals that - depending on their size - feel comfortable in a water depth of 10 to 30 cm.These plants have an important filter function that prevents algae from spreading too much. In order to integrate these two zones in the garden pond, you have to separate the areas from the deeper water zone. Marsh marigolds (Calla palustris) are particularly suitable for planting.
Pond plants for the water zone
The water zone covers a depth of 40 to 100 cm and contains mainly water lilies (Nymphaea), water hyacinths (Eichhornia) or lotus ( Nelumbo), as only plants with very long stems make it to the surface. These are an enrichment for every pond simply because of their beauty and growth.
Pond plants for the deep zone
The deep zone of a pond, starting at 100 cm, is populated by underwater or floating plants, which have the important property of bringing oxygen into the pond. They include Horn Leaf (Ceratophyllum), Fir Frond (Hippuris vulgaris), Water Buttercup (Ranunculus aquatilis) and Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes).
Buy pond plants
When purchasing pond plants, pay particular attention to the time of year as it is best to repot and plant them as soon as you receive them. Late spring is suitable here - as explained in more detail in the following chapter "Insert pond plants".
It is best to contact your local nursery if they offer aquatic plants, as you can check the quality of the plants directly there. Pay attention to the roots and the condition of the leaves. These should look fresh and show no signs of disease or pests. If you are not sure after purchase whether one of your plants is affected by pests or diseases, do not use them under any circumstances. If in doubt, wait and see if the signs become clear.
If there is no dealer in your area, the online shops Naturagart and Teichpflanzen-Teichbau are highly recommended. Quality and price as well as delivery and service are good and reliable here.
Insert pond plants: instructions and season
The ideal time of year to start planting or planting is late spring. Outside temperatures of 15 °C and more prevent damage to the pond liner, which can become brittle at low temperatures if the pond is not filled. pond plants, theare not hardy - such as the tropical lotus (Nelumbo) and species of marsh hibiscus (Hibiscus) - can now be planted without hesitation. Ideally, you use plant baskets for this, which are filled with pond soil. This soil is high in clay and low in nutrients, which prevents algae growth. Once you've planted the plants, fill in a thin layer of gravel on top of the pond soil to prevent it from buoying up.
Place the plants in their respective positions before the pond is filled. If your pond is already filled or you want to bring new plants into the pond, we will give you two options below. If you're feeling adventurous, it's a good idea to invest in a good pair of wellies or fisherman's trousers. Alternatively, use a long pole with a hook at the end. Since plant baskets for pond plants are perforated, the hook should have approximately the same dimensions. Simply insert the hoe through one of the holes and test the weeding on land beforehand. With a little practice, you'll be able to place all your plants in the designated spots with ease.
Pruning and caring for pond plants
During long periods of heat in summer, it is particularly important to add water to the pond. Rainwater from the cistern or tap water is best suited for this, as this takes on a cooling and aerating function. Don't forget to pay attention to the shore and edge zone, because these plants also have an increased water requirement in summer.
Should strong plant growth occur, simply cut back the respective plants generously and carefully remove the dead parts from the pond. If too much dead plant matter is left in the pond, sludge will form from the decaying plant matter. This ultimately leads to the pond becoming cloudy and increased algae formation.
Overwinter pond plants
If the temperature falls below 12° C, you should slowly stop feeding the fish and remove the non-hardy plants from the pond. To overwinter them frost-free, simply cut back the plants. Be sure to remove dead material to prevent disease. Store the plants in a tub or tub as they need their usual moisture. Hibernation should be in a cool, lighted place, temperaturesbelow 12° C are recommended.
Before the onset of winter you should also skim off and remove leaves and other organic material from the pond surface. Then cut off reeds, cattails and other tall plants just above the waterline and remove this organic debris from the pond as well. This is important to ensure later gas exchange when the ice surface is closed and to prevent the pond from silting up. In any case, you should prevent the pond from completely freezing over, otherwise fermentation gases can form under the surface.
Summary: planting, caring for and overwintering pond plants
Finally, we provide a small checklist to make it easier for you to get started with pond care:
- Insert new plants from an outside temperature of 15° C
- Only use he althy seedlings
- Regular pruning of vigorous plants
- Dispose of dead organic material from the pond
- Add fresh water in summer
- Remove non-hardy plants from the pond at low temperatures
- Keep pond free of ice in winter