At Pond King Water Gardens, we believe that a well-planned pond isn’t complete without the beauty and functionality of water plants. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your pond but also contribute to its health by oxygenating the water, providing shade, and attracting pollinators. Below is a detailed look at some of our favorite water plants for Minnesota, their unique qualities, and why they work so well in our local climate.
Hardy Water Lilies (Nymphaea spp.)
Why We Love Them:
Hardy water lilies are the quintessential pond plant, known for their stunning, colorful blooms that float gracefully on the water’s surface. Their wide, flat leaves provide much-needed shade for aquatic life, keeping the water cooler and discouraging algae growth. We are excited by the new Aquascape Aquatic Lily Planters!
Key Details:
- Zone Range: 3–11
- Blooms: Mid-spring to early fall, with colors ranging from white to deep red.
- Growth Habit: Rhizomatous, spreading across the pond’s surface.
- Care Tips: Plant in pots submerged in the pond for easy maintenance. Fertilize regularly during the growing season for vibrant blooms.
American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)
Why We Love Them:
This dramatic plant adds height, texture, and a touch of the exotic to any pond. The large, round leaves and delicate, bowl-shaped flowers create a show-stopping display. Kids love the seed pods, which are both fun to explore and visually striking.
Key Details:
- Zone Range: 5–10 (Bring inside during harsh winters.)
- Height: Can reach up to 6 feet tall.
- Interactive Feature: Seed pods are great for crafting or educational activities.
- Care Tips: Needs plenty of sunlight and a large container to thrive. Plant in a sunny area with a water depth of 12–24 inches.
Cattail (Dwarf & Graceful Varieties Only)
Why We Love Them:
These elegant, vertical plants bring movement and texture to the pond without the aggressive tendencies of their larger relatives. They’re a great choice for natural-looking ponds.
Key Details:
- Zone Range: 3–10
- Height: 2–4 feet tall, depending on the variety.
- Care Tips: Plant in contained areas to manage spread. Avoid native varieties, which can dominate the pond.
Annuals
Though they won’t survive Minnesota winters, these annual water plants are fantastic for oxygenation and shading during the warmer months.
- Water Lettuce & Hyacinth: Float gracefully on the surface and provide excellent shade for fish. Keep them in check to avoid overgrowth.
- Calla Lilies, Cannas, Umbrella Plant, Taro, Hibiscus: Add vibrant color and dramatic structure to your pondscape. Plant in shallow pockets or containers for easy removal at season’s end.
Marginal Plants
Marginals thrive in damp soil or shallow water, making them ideal for planting pockets or wetland filters around the pond’s edge.
Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
With its gorgeous blue-purple blooms, this native iris is a non-invasive, easy-care choice that thrives in Minnesota’s climate.
- Zone Range: 3–9
- Height: 2–3 feet
- Care Tips: Plant in shallow water or damp soil with plenty of sunlight.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Striking red blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies make this tender perennial a favorite.
- Zone Range: 3–9 (May not survive harsh winters.)
- Height: 2–4 feet
- Care Tips: Place in sunny to partly shady spots with damp soil. Deadhead to prolong blooming.
Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus var. americanus)
This fragrant, clump-forming plant is perfect for softening pond edges. This is a staple in our ponds as it is so hardy, has a nice smell and has a pretty variegated leaf to look at. It is also one that with proper maintenance can be split, divided and maintained.
- Zone Range: 3–10
- Height: 1–3 feet
- Care Tips: Plant in shallow water or damp soil. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Perfect for softening pond edges, this plant spills over rocks and spreads naturally.
- Zone Range: 4–9
- Height: Low-growing, up to 6 inches.
- Care Tips: Keep it in check, as it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
Golden-yellow blooms herald spring and brighten up the pond’s edges.
- Zone Range: 3–7
- Height/Width: 12–18 inches tall, spreading to 12–24 inches wide.
- Care Tips: Thrives in sunny to partly shaded areas with consistently moist soil.
Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)
Small white flowers and arrow-shaped foliage bring a simple elegance to your pond.
- Zone Range: 3–10
- Height: 1–4 feet
- Care Tips: Plant in a contained area to prevent overgrowth.
Meadow Rue
This native plant attracts pollinators with its delicate flowers, making it a great choice for eco-friendly pondscapes.
Horsetail Rush (Equisetum hyemale)
With its tall, bamboo-like stems, horsetail rush is a low-maintenance plant that adds vertical interest.
- Zone Range: 4–9
- Height: 2–4 feet
- Care Tips: Thin out occasionally to prevent overcrowding.
Beware of These Plants
While some plants might seem appealing, they can create long-term issues for your pond and ecosystem:
- Duckweed: Extremely invasive and challenging to remove once established.
- Native Cattails: Aggressive rhizomes can dominate shallow areas and potentially damage liners.
- Hornwort: While a good oxygenator, it can overwhelm smaller ponds with dense growth.
Contact Us to Learn More
By carefully selecting the right plants, you can create a thriving, balanced pond ecosystem that showcases the beauty of Minnesota’s native and compatible species. If you’re ready to take your pond to the next level, let us at Pond King Water Gardens help you design your perfect aquatic oasis.
Have questions about water plants? Contact us or sign up for our monthly newsletter here for expert tips and tricks! Our favorite local suppliers are Gertens & The Pond Co., but be sure to get there early spring as the water plants can go fast!