8 aquatic plants to grow in your garden

18 Jul 2015

Whether they’re in a wide pot, a small pond or a large water feature, water gardens are peaceful and tranquil. Here are eight plants that work perfectly in a water environment.

1. Water lilies

The great French impressionist Monet was so entranced by these beautiful flowers that grew in his garden, that he immortalised them on canvas. There are 35 different species of water lilies, from miniature to large blooms. They are best suited to small garden ponds, pots and containers, require full sunlight and will happily grow in all climates.

2. Soft twig rush

This plant grows up to a metre high and produces reddish brown flowers. It's best to plant them on the water's edge, where they provide a home for birds and insects.

3. Lotuses

These blooms need to be kept in still water, perhaps a water garden in a large pot. Not to be confused with water lilies, the leaves of lotus flowers rise and sit up above the water, whereas the leaves on water lilies float on top of the water.

4. Water ribbons

A South Australian native, this plant has long, slender leaves that will either float on the water's surface or rise up from underneath. The white tuberous leaves grow up to 20 centimetres high and were once eaten by indigenous Australians. The small green fruits are also edible.

5. Pickerel rush

This hardy plant has lovely heart-shaped foliage and produces spikes of blue or white flowers in summer. Also known as a pickerel weed, it is best to plant it in a pot to prevent unwanted spreading.

6. Pacific azolla

This lovely plant grows small, crinkly fronds that float on the water's surface and usually grow up to three centimetres in length. The foliage is reddish-brown. Pacific azolla usually lives in still waters and while it can take over a pond, it's easy to manage by just scooping out.

7. Edible plants

There's a variety of different plants you can grow in your water garden and then enjoy in your meals. These include: Lebanese cress, planting water parsley, English watercress, several types of mint, Asian water spinach and water chestnuts.

8. Dwarf Egyptian papyrus

Bring a touch of Egypt into your garden with this plant and its umbrella-shaped flower heads. It grows up to 60 centimetres high and is ideal for filtering small fish ponds. Simply sink the pot into your pond and weigh it down with a rock.