Aquatic
Aquatic plants have become more and more popular with the growth of water gardening. These plants have adapted to living in or on aquatic environments. Aquatic plants can only grow in water or permanently saturated soil. The most successful water gardens have a range of depths throughout the pool because some plants grow at very shallow levels while other plants need to be placed several feet deep.
Plants that grow in water gardens are classified into three groups. Using plants from all three groups will keep your water garden in biological balance by providing oxygen to the water as well as food and shelter for the animals that share your pond.
- Marginal & Emergent – In nature, marginal plants are found along the edges of a pond or in shallow bogs where the roots are attached to the muddy bottom. These plants are often called emergents because portions of their stems grow above water. Marginal plants usually grow in water 1 – 6 inches deep. After planting in a container, place the container on top of a block or a shelf to put it at the correct water depth.
- Floaters – Floaters grow further from the edge, between shallow and deep water. These plants have leaves that float on the surface instead of below or above the surface. Dwarf varieties are available for container gardens. Floaters will cover the surface of the water to a point that will limit the amount of light reaching the depths of the pond which will deter algae growth. Some floaters, such as water lilies, have roots that attach to the bottom of the pond with underwater stems ending in leaves and flowers that float on the surface.
- Submerged – A third group of plants grow completely submerged under the surface of the water. They are often referred to as oxygenators. These plants help combat algae by consuming excess nutrients. They also provide cover for fish and produce oxygen during daylight hours. Roots of these plants are not used for nutrient or water uptake, but only for anchorage. Because of this, many oxygenators may be potted in gravel.
