Adding a garden pond to your backyard in Clearwater, Florida, is a great way to beautify it. But your pond needs plants and other things like rocks and fish to complete the look. Here are three types of plants that will add color and beauty to your garden pond:
Island Plants
To start, island plants are tropical in nature because they grow in abundance on many hot and humid islands around the world. Since the climate in Clearwater stays relatively mild year-round, these plants also grow well in our region. Consider adding these island plants:
- Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides is native to southeast Asia.
- Lindernia grandiflora has blue flowers that bloom from spring to fall.
- Rotala rotundifolia is a common weed found in rice paddies in China.
Shallow Water Plants
Shallow water plants can grow in standing water that’s between 2 and 10 inches deep. Most species can float freely on the surface of the water, while others can also produce flowers and thrive in shaded areas. Consider adding these shallow water plants:
- Chameleon plant grows best in moist and shady conditions.
- Corkscrew rush produces best in partially shaded areas in your pond.
- Pontederia dilatate offers a beautiful display in larger ponds.
Submersible Plants
While a portion of them can grow above water, most submersible plants prefer the environment below the water’s surface. Submersible plants are rooted plants with limp or flaccid stems. Consider adding these submersible plants to your garden pond:
- Azolla caroliniana (fairy moss): changes hues from red to bright green.
- Cabomba caroliniana: offers a natural look to any aquatic garden.
- Ceratophyllum demersum (coontail): has a rich nutrient status.
There are thousands of species of plants available from around the world with which to decorate your pond. For help picking the best species, contact Tampa Bay Rocks & Ponds today. We look forward to helping you choose plants for your garden pond.
