Introducing a diverse array of pond plants to your water garden can create a stunning visual display while also providing numerous benefits to the ecosystem. From the tall, iconic cattails to the delicate, floating water forget-me-nots, each plant brings its own unique charm and character to the pond.
These 15 pond plants, all suitable for USDA Hardiness Zone 5, offer a range of colors, textures, and growth habits that will enhance the beauty and health of your pond. Whether you prefer the striking blooms of the yellow pond lily or the architectural foliage of the blue flag iris, there’s a plant on this list for every water gardener.
1) Cattail (Typha latifolia)
These tall, iconic pond plants are a favorite among water gardeners. With their brown, cigar-shaped flower spikes and long, slender leaves, cattails add a striking vertical element to your pond. Plant them in shallow water or wet soil, and watch them thrive! To keep them in check, simply remove any unwanted spread.
2) Yellow pond lily (Nuphar lutea)
Brighten up your pond with the sunny, yellow blooms of the yellow pond lily. These beauties prefer still, shallow water and can be planted directly into the pond substrate. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
3) Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)
Add a splash of purple to your pond with pickerelweed! This lovely plant features spikes of small, blue-purple flowers and glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Plant them in shallow water or at the pond’s edge, and enjoy the colorful display from summer to fall.
4) Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)
Named for its arrow-shaped leaves, this pond plant adds a unique texture to your water garden. White, three-petaled flowers bloom on tall stalks in summer. Arrowhead prefers shallow water and can be planted directly into the pond bottom.
5) Water smartweed (Persicaria amphibia)
This versatile plant can grow in water or on the pond’s edge, adapting to various conditions. Its pink, spiky flowers add a charming touch to your pond from summer to fall. Water smartweed spreads quickly, so keep an eye on its growth.
6) Sweet flag (Acorus calamus)
With its grass-like, aromatic leaves, sweet flag is an excellent choice for adding texture and scent to your pond. This plant thrives in shallow water or moist soil and requires minimal maintenance. Simply trim back any brown or dead leaves as needed.
7) Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Bring a burst of golden-yellow to your pond in early spring with marsh marigold. This charming plant prefers wet soil or shallow water and can tolerate some shade. After flowering, the glossy, green leaves continue to add interest throughout the season.
8) Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your pond with the vibrant, red blooms of the cardinal flower. This stunning plant thrives in moist soil or shallow water and prefers partial shade. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong the blooming period.
9) Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)
Add elegance to your pond with the showy, blue-purple flowers of the blue flag iris. This plant prefers shallow water or moist soil and blooms in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the sword-like leaves provide a striking architectural element.
10) Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus)
This unique plant features slender, arching spikes of small, white flowers that resemble a lizard’s tail. Lizard’s tail prefers shallow water or consistently moist soil and can tolerate some shade. Prune back any yellow or brown leaves to maintain its appearance.
11) Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Create a carpet of delicate, blue flowers along your pond’s edge with water forget-me-not. This charming plant prefers moist soil or shallow water and blooms from spring to summer. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous flowering.
12) Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Soften the edges of your pond with the trailing, golden-green foliage of creeping Jenny. This low-maintenance plant thrives in moist soil or shallow water and can even be used as a floating plant. Trim back any overgrown stems to keep it looking tidy.
13) Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)
Add a prehistoric touch to your pond with horsetail! This unique plant features tall, segmented stems that resemble miniature bamboo. Horsetail prefers moist soil or shallow water and can spread quickly, so plant it in containers to control its growth.
14) Soft rush (Juncus effusus)
Create a natural, grassland look around your pond with soft rush. This plant features tall, cylindrical stems and thrives in moist soil or shallow water. Soft rush is low-maintenance and can help filter the water in your pond.
15) Variegated sweet flag (Acorus calamus ‘Variegatus’)
Add a pop of color to your pond with the striped, green-and-white leaves of variegated sweet flag. This attractive plant prefers shallow water or moist soil and releases a pleasant, sweet aroma when bruised. Trim any brown or damaged leaves to keep it looking its best.
