FAQs about ponds: pond plants

Place plants in hessian sacks for more stability (Natalie Giles)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... ponds:

What kind of pond plants will benefit amphibians and are there any to avoid?

A mixture of native emergent, submerged and floating plants is best for amphibians. Marginal plants such as spearwort Ranunculus flammula, water mint Mentha aquatica and yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus, provide cover as the animals enter/exit the water. Plants such as water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides and starwort (Callitriche spp.) will provide egg-laying sites for newts. Submerged plants like curled pondweed Potamogeton crispus and hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum and floating species like white and yellow water lilies (Nymphaea alba and Nuphar lutea) are also worthwhile additions. Ideally choose species that will oxygenate the water.

You may need some aquatic soil for the plants (available from garden centres), especially if you put the plants in hessian sacks or planters, which provide more stability and are easier to plant.

Don't forget to plant around the edges of the pond, and near by, to encourage invertebrates and to provide shelter for amphibians (particularly metamorphs just leaving the water).

DO NOT introduce non-native species as these can be extremely invasive and harmful to the pond, and to other habitats nearby. Plants to avoid include New Zealand pygmyweed Crassula helmsii, parrot's-feather Myriophyllum aquaticum, water fern Azolla filiculoides, water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes and water primrose Ludwigia peploides or grandiflora.

More information:

Dragon's Garden plant list. >>>

Garden ponds and the law. >>>

Million Ponds Project. >>>