A well-designed water feature isn’t just about the flowing water—it’s about creating an immersive experience in your landscape. The right plants can transform a pond, waterfall, or fountainscape into a lush, thriving ecosystem that enhances its beauty while providing habitat for wildlife. Not only do these plants add visual appeal, but they also attract birds, butterflies, and bees, creating a dynamic, pollinator-friendly environment that supports local biodiversity.
At Pond King Water Gardens, we have a few favorite plant varieties that we love to incorporate around water features in Minnesota’s climate. These plants not only complement the water but also thrive in Minnesota’s USDA Hardiness Zones 3-4. Plus, you can find many of them at Gertens, our trusted local supplier in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. While you’re there, take a stroll by the tree barn to see the pondless waterfall we built for them! Visit Gertens.
Best Terrestrial Plants for Water Features in Minnesota
Edge Plants & Perennials for Minnesota’s Climate
These plants thrive at the margins of water features, softening hard edges and adding vibrant color while being resilient to Minnesota’s seasonal fluctuations.
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) – A native Minnesota plant, great for pollinators and edges.
- Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) – Small, delicate flowers that add charm to pond edges.
- Hostas – Shade-loving perennials that provide lush green foliage.
- Sedges (Carex spp.) – Great for moist soils, but opt for clump-forming varieties to prevent spread.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – A drought-tolerant Minnesota native and pollinator magnet.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Hardy and vibrant with a long bloom time, perfect for Minnesota gardens.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.) – Adds unique foliage colors from deep burgundy to lime green.
- Astilbe – Feathery plumes that thrive in Minnesota’s moist, shady areas.
- Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) – Deer-resistant and native to the Upper Midwest.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) – Easy to grow and available in various colors.
- Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) – Loves partial shade and produces beautiful blue flowers.
- Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) – Thrives in moist conditions and attracts pollinators.
- Iris (Iris spp.) – Adds elegant vertical accents and thrives in damp soils.
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – A butterfly favorite and an essential native plant for Minnesota pollinators.
- Sedum (Sedum spp.) – Varieties range from ground covers to upright mounds, offering low-maintenance options.
- Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – A fragrant, drought-tolerant ground cover.
- German Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Great for edges with a subtle, aromatic presence.
Top Bushes & Shrubs for Water Feature Landscaping in Minnesota
Evergreens for Structure & Year-Round Interest
Recommended Pines for Minnesota Gardens:
- Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo), especially ‘Pumilio’ and ‘Slowmound’
- Foggy Pine (Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’) – Soft bluish-green needles.
- Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) – Great as a soft, airy backdrop.
- Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra) – Compact and slow-growing.
- Bosnian Pine (Pinus heldreichii ‘Compact Gem’) – Perfect for smaller spaces.
Recommended Junipers for Minnesota:
- Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’) – Compact, silvery-blue foliage.
- Skyrocket Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’) – A narrow, upright form for vertical accents.
- Moonglow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Moonglow’) – Intense blue foliage that stays vibrant year-round.
Flowering Shrubs for Seasonal Interest in Minnesota
- Lilacs (Syringa spp.) – Fragrant spring bloomers, perfect for Minnesota’s climate.
- Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) – Beautiful summer flowers in white, pink, and blue.
- Viburnum (Viburnum spp.) – Offers spring blooms and fall berries.
- Weigela (Weigela florida ‘Wine & Roses’) – Hummingbird-attracting tubular flowers.
- Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius) – Late-spring blooms with an intoxicating scent.
Best Trees for Water Features in Minnesota Landscapes
Ornamental Trees for Minnesota Gardens
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – Multi-season beauty with edible berries.
- Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) – A stunning native tree with layered branching.
- Crabapple (Malus spp.) – Offers year-round beauty with spring blooms and winter fruit.
Evergreen Trees for Privacy & Structure in Minnesota
- Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca var. densata) – Dense and pyramidal.
- Dwarf Korean Fir (Abies koreana) – Small and compact with deep green needles.
- Norway Spruce (Picea abies) – Fast-growing and striking in Minnesota landscapes.
Native Trees for Naturalized Areas in Minnesota
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Brilliant fall color.
- Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) – A strong, adaptable understory tree.
- Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) – Hardy and drought-tolerant, thriving in Minnesota’s diverse soils.
Where to Find These Plants in Minnesota?
For the best selection of Minnesota-native plants and water feature-friendly vegetation, we recommend checking out Gertens, located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. They carry a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees perfect for water features. While you’re there, make sure to visit the pondless waterfall we built near their tree barn—a great example of how water and plants come together in perfect harmony! Check out Gertens here.
By choosing the right plants for your Minnesota water feature, you create not only a visually stunning space but also a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem. If you need help designing or installing your dream landscape, contact us at Pond King Water Gardens!
Happy planting! 🌿💦