If you have a garden pond or a water garden, choosing your plants is the best, and sometimes most intimidating part of the process! Sure, adding plants gives your pond life, helps it blend into the rest of the garden, and feeds a healthy bio-system within your pond. But let’s face it, most of us want it easy. The last thing we need is a bunch of finicky plants that die when we look at them wrong. Here are the top pond plants to grow from experts who love them for their ease of care, beauty, and contribution to the pond ecosystem.

But First: Why Does My Pond Need Plants?

Aquatic plants are one of the most important elements of a healthy, attractive pond. First of all, you can use pond plants for algae control. They control algae by absorbing excess nutrients and providing shade, reducing algae growth (because nobody wants an overly-slimy pond!). Floating plants also protect fish from too much sun exposure and offer cover from predators such as herons and other hungry birds.

As if that’s not enough, oxygenating pond plants naturally improve water quality by filtering nutrients and releasing oxygen. Their leaves, stems, and roots create valuable habitat for fish, frogs, snails, and other pond critters, providing shelter, breeding areas, and food sources. And finally, as well as being practical, they’re pretty! 

Types of Water Plants for Ponds

Remember how we said those plants die when we look at them wrong? It really does feel that way sometimes! Understanding the basics can help, starting with the three main types of pond plants: 

Bog Plants

Bog plants are water plants with roots that are planted underwater, but near the edges of the pond. Their roots do keep them in place, and they are best planted with larger pots, then placed into the water at the pond edge. 

Best placement has the roots 2-3 inches below the surface of the water. In nature, these would be the plants whose roots would form the erosion control of the bank of the pond. 

Floating Plants

Floating plants do just that… they float on the surface of the water, and therefore have no formal root system to hold them in place. Many of them are considered invasive species, and are difficult to control. Water Lettuce is a good example.

Pond Plants 

Pond plants are the kind that are potted underwater, and can be planted at the depth of the pond in any spot. They grow long stems that break the surface of the water to sport their blooms and sometimes leaves. The water lilies and lotus are top favorites.

The Best Water Plants for Ponds 

In general, it’s best to have a few different types of plants for the most natural-looking pond. Whether you’re building a pond from scratch or need some new plants for an existing backyard koi pond, here are our top picks!

Corkscrew Rush

Rush is a perennial hardy down to zone 4, will take some shade, and adds a great texture and interest to the garden. It’s an easy-to-grow bog plant (or so they say…). 

Papyrus

Papyrus has both dwarf and full-sized varieties, and is a marshy plant that should be potted for control. Planted directly in the ground, this plant can become aggressive. It’s worth it though, for the gorgeous texture and color it brings.

Pickerel Plant

Pickerel Plant is a native aquatic perennial known for its spikes of purple-blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It thrives in full sun and shallow water along pond edges, where it helps attract pollinators while providing shelter for fish and frogs. Hardy to zone 3, it is easy to grow and adds vibrant color to the water garden. Photo from aquascapeinc.com. 

Sweet Flag

Sweet Flag is an ornamental grass that’s perfect for the pond. Growing to three feet, it prefers to be planted just under the water at the pond’s edge. It loves the sun and is hardy to zone 3.

Horsetail Reed

Horsetail Reed brings a bold, architectural look to ponds with its tall, upright green stems. This hardy marginal plant grows best in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of water depths along the pond edge. Hardy to zone 4, it spreads steadily and is often used to add height and texture to aquatic landscapes. Photo from aquascapeinc.com. 

Water Lily

There are more water lily varieties than can be covered in one post! Generally, they are hardy down to zone 4 and prefer full sun, but there are varieties that can handle more shade. BHG has a great tutorial on how to pot up water lilies. They like the pot placed 6-18 inches deep into the pond. Pro tip: Hardy water lilies are easier to grow than the tropical varieties.

Lotus

Lotus is the most exotic of our pond plants, but it’s not as difficult to grow as its beauty suggests! They need at least 6 hours of sun a day, and they prefer their roots to be no more than 10 inches under water. Fertilize with a fertilizer stick every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Lotus are hardy down to zone 5, and can be quite fragrant.

Water Poppy

Water Poppy is a floating aquatic plant prized for its cheerful yellow flowers and glossy green leaves. It grows quickly in warm weather, providing shade that helps reduce algae growth and keeps fish comfortable. Best grown in full sun, Water Poppy is typically treated as an annual in colder climates but may overwinter in warmer regions. Photo from wetplants.com. 

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a versatile groundcover that cascades beautifully over rocks, stream edges, and pond borders. Its bright chartreuse foliage creates a striking contrast against water and stone, and small yellow flowers appear in summer. Hardy to zone 3, it grows well in full sun to partial shade and thrives in consistently moist soil. Photo from aquascapeinc.com. 

How to Pick the Right Koi Pond Plants

The best pond plant selection includes a mix of floating, marginal, and bog plants to create a balanced ecosystem and a natural look. Think about your pond’s size, depth, and sun exposure, as different plants have different growing requirements. Remember, water lilies and floating plants provide shade, while marginal plants add height, texture, and habitat along the edges. 

Aim to cover about half of the pond’s surface with plants to help control algae, improve water quality, and provide shelter for fish and other wildlife. A variety of plant types will keep your pond healthy and stylish throughout the season. You can find more great tips for choosing water plants for ponds in this guide.

Keep Your Pond Healthy With Oxygenating Pond Plants!

Most nurseries have water garden sections, and can guide you more specifically to plants for your situation.  Learn how to grow pond plants, and let us know your experiences in the comments! We think you will also love our posts on DIY Backyard Pond Ideas and Easy DIY Container Water Gardens.