Should I add plants to my pond?

Plants do far more than just enhance the appearance of your garden, they also help support your pond in a variety of ways. They help to regulate your water quality and provide a shelter for fish and wildlife, reducing stress and potentially even saving them from predators. 

These natural filters compete with algae for nutrients and shade your water enough to reduce green blooms. This is especially beneficial for those summer months where green water feels hard to control, or in gardens that get a lot of sun throughout the day. If you have a wildlife pond, planting is practically essential to attract creatures and encourage biodiversity.

What are planting zones?

Selecting pond plants is based on depth, and each species has an ideal planting zone. These zones include the deepest areas of the pond, right through to the damp soil surrounding it.

Diagram illustrating the zones of planting in a pond. Zone 1 bog or moist soil, Zone 2 marginal, Zone 3 deep water, and Zone 4 floating
Planting correctly in each zone brings the most success and biodiversity

Understanding these zones and planning accordingly will allow you to have the most success with your plants. You can easily create and maintain a natural, layered look whilst allowing each plant the chance to thrive in your garden.

Zone 1: Bog and Moist Soil (Pond Edge)

Zone 1 is the outermost edge of your pond, where it is damp, but not submerged or waterlogged. This zone is ideal for plants that thrive in wet conditions, but don't do well planted directly in water.

Bog plants are perfect for Zone 1, such as Primulas and Iris sibirica. They are typically planted directly into the soil, or into baskets where only the base touches the pond water.

Planting in Zone 1 is perfect for softening the edges of your pond, blending it into the garden. These plants are an excellent choice for those seeking the most natural appearance.

Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), purple iris pond plant flower
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica), perfect for planting at the edge of your pond

Recommended plants for Zone 1:

Planting Zone 1 Bog Plants: Step-By-Step

  1. Top with gravel to keep the soil in place.
  2. Choose a damp, shallow area at the edge of your pond that isn't fully submerged.
  3. Use aquatic compost, or create a bog bed where the water can soak in.
  4. Plant directly into the ground, or into baskets that are lined with hessian.
  5. If using a basket, make sure only the bottom is touching the water.

Zone 2: Marginal Shelf (Shallow Water)

The marginal zone, or zone 2, is situated just below the surface of the water up to 25cm deep. This zone is typically created as a shelf during the process of setting up your pond. These plants are normally planted in aquatic baskets and positioned on the pond shelf, submerged in water.

Marginal plants, such as Marsh Marigold and Water Iris, have submerged roots and leaves above the surface. These plants are excellent for adding colour and height to your pond, whilst absorbing excess nutrients to prevent algae blooms and nitrates, enhancing your water quality.

Lesser Bulrush (Typha angustifolia) Growing in a field near a pond with tall leaves and stems
Lesser Bulrush (Typha angustifolia), sits on the marginal shelf in your pond

Recommended plants for Zone 2:

Take a look at our other Marginal Pond Plants today.

Planting Zone 2 Marginal Plants: Step-By-Step

  1. Place the basket gently on the shelf, being sure that the leaves are above water.
  2. Choose a pond shelf area around 10-25cm deep.
  3. Line an aquatic basket with hessian, fill with aquatic compost, then place your plant inside.
  4. Cover with gravel to prevent spilling soil.

Zone 3: Deep Water (40cm+)

The deepest areas of your pond, around 40cm or more, are for plants that root on the bottom but have leaves and flowers on the surface of the water. Water lilies are the most popular of the deep water plants. Their iconic flower and broad leaves are a common choice amongst pond owners thanks to the shade they provide. Water Hawthorn is another excellent choice for cooler water.

Deep water plants should start on blocks or bricks to allow their leaves to reach the surface. As they grow, they can be gradually moved deeper.

Mrs Richmond Water Lily (Nymphaea). Pink lily flower blooming in a garden pond with lilypads
Mrs Richmond Water Lily (Nymphaea), a beautiful flower for deep water ponds

Recommended plants for Zone 3:

At Swell UK, we have a range of Deep Water Pond Plants and Lilies available to order now.

Planting Zone 3 Deep Water Plants: Step-By-Step

  1. As the plant grows, gradually lower deeper into the pond.
  2. Choose a section of the pond that is ideally 40-120cm, depending on the size of your plant.
  3. Pot the plant in a planting basket lined with hessian, containing aquatic compost and gravel.
  4. Lower the basket gently onto bricks or ledges so that the leaves reach the surface.

Zone 4: Floating Plants

Floating plants actually don't root into soil at all. They sit on the surface of the pond, absorbing nutrients directly from the water. Some popular choices include Frogbit and Water Lettuce, as they are quick to establish and instantly help to cover and shade your pond, cooling the water.

These species technically don't require planting. Just place them on the surface and you're done! These fast growing plants are great during summer, when algae growth is more rapid.

Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) growing in a vibrant green colour on the pond's surface
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), a fast growing floating plant for the water surface

Recommended plants for Zone 4:

  • Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
  • Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
  • Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
  • Water Fern (Azolla filiculoides)
  • Duckweed (Lemna minor)

Check out our floating pond plants range to provide shade and natural beauty to your pond.

Planting Zone 4 Floating Plants: Step-By-Step

  1. Spread evenly for better coverage.
  2. Remove any damaged leaves.
  3. Place directly onto the surface of the pond.

Oxygenating Plants

Oxygenating plants are ideal for maintaining water quality. These plants typically grow either fully submerged or partly above the surface, releasing oxygen into the water. They are known for supporting beneficial bacteria and the health of your fish, making them extremely handy to plant.

Hornwort and Water Starwort are often sold as weighted bunches that can be directly dropped into the water, while some may require planting in baskets and placing at the bottom of the pond. 

It's worth noting that not all oxygenating plants are suitable for every pond. Some can be quite invasive, most notably Elodea densa. Whenever possible, it is recommended to choose native species.

Needle Spike Rush (Eleocharis acicularis) with tall stems and pale flowers growing in a garden pond
Needle Spike Rush (Eleocharis acicularis), excellent for oxygenating your pond, maintaining water quality

Recommended Oxygenating Plants:

Try our oxygenating pond plants to support your water quality naturally.

Planting Oxygenating Plants: Step-By-Step

  1. Choose non-invasive or native species where possible.
  2. Weighted bunches can be dropped directly into the pond.
  3. Unweighted bunches can be anchored with a weight and placed at the bottom.
  4. Potted species can be planted in a basket and placed on the pond floor.

Planting tips for a healthy pond

  • Plant a mix of plants across different zones to create a balanced ecosystem
  • Avoid overplanting, making sure to leave space for growth and light
  • Plants may take time to establish in the first year, so bear that in mind to avoid overcrowding as they grow
  • Use aquatic compost rather than garden soil for the correct amount of nutrients
  • Cover soil with pond gravel to stop it dispersing into the water

Ready to plant your pond?

Planting your pond is more than just decorating, it's creating a stable ecosystem that looks beautiful year after year, with each plant providing benefits to your pond.

Pond plants are typically sold in nursery pots and will need repotting before they can be planted. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to repot pond plants for instructions and tips for separating and repotting your new plants.

Get started on planting your pond now: explore our full range of pond plants and start creating your perfect pond ecosystem today.