As their name implies, emergent plants grow along a pond’s shoreline and “emerge” above the water’s surface. Below are a few of the most popular species of emergent pond plants that our team recommends.
Arrowhead
The arrowhead plant gets its name from its bright, arrow-shaped leaves. This plant is a great choice if you enjoy a lush, jungle look around your pond. Arrowhead plants also make an excellent addition to your other filtration methods. Their roots can filter nitrates and excess nutrients out of the water. These plants also flower beautifully in the summer, making them an excellent addition to any natural pond.
Water Lilies
Perhaps the most iconic pond plant of all; water lilies! They are popular for good reason. This emergent plant provides excellent shade for aquatic creatures and flowers beautifully in the summer. These flowers range in color from white, to yellow, to pink.
If you want to grow water lilies in your pond, you will need to plant them in a pot first. Place the plant’s tubers in the soil and lower the pot gently into the water. Soon, the plant will produce fresh leaves that you can allow to grow freely or remove if your pond feels too crowded. Lily species are quite hardy and generally regrow after winter die-offs.
Pickerelweed
If you’re looking for more flowers to add color to your pond in the summer, pickerelweed is a beautiful option. This plant features vibrant purple blooms that grow easily in pots around the shallow areas of your pond. Keep the plant’s roots submerged and its leaves floating on your pond’s surface.
Pickerelweed is extremely easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for new pond owners. In addition to its hardiness, pickerelweed attracts bees and non-aquatic life needed to help turn your backyard into a full-on ecosystem.
