Marginal pond plants thrive in the shallow waters at the edges of your pond, creating a beautiful transition between land and water. Choose from a wide variety of aquatic marginal plants to soften the pond's edges and provide habitat for wildlife. Whether you're looking for vibrant flowering varieties or lush foliage, our selection includes marginal plants suitable for various pond sizes and depths. For an elegant centrepiece, water lilies make excellent deep water pond plants. Read our how to plant a garden pond guide for helpful advice, and browse our full range of pond plants for more options.
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When choosing marginal plants, it’s important to check the depth of water around the pond and get plants that will thrive in your precise conditions. Some will cope with shallower areas while others like to be more submerged. Plant into aquatic baskets with mesh sides, as these allow water and oxygen to move freely. Can’t decide? Go for our Nurseryman’s Choice of Marginal Pond Plants for the best possible value! Pick up more tips in our Frequently Asked Questions below.
For small ponds, choose something that won’t spread too far, such as Iris ensata. Plants with delicate flowers like dwarf ragged robin and Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘Petite Jenny’, are also good choices as the blooms remain in proportion to the pond.
Among the best flowering marginal pond plants are elegant arum lilies (zantedeschia), bright red Lobelia cardinalis, vibrant yellow marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris), and scarlet Mimulus cardinalis.
Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal mint) and Hesperantha coccinea are both excellent choices for wildlife-friendly pond plants. You could also try combining Knautia macedonica ‘Red Knight’ and Lychnis flos-cuculi for pollinator-friendly flowers from late spring through to autumn.
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