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Pond & Stream Aquatic Plant List
Lilies and Deep-water Aquatics
Lilies and deep-water aquatics are the heart of a thriving pond. Their floating leaves reduce sunlight penetration, naturally limiting algae growth, while their roots help oxygenate the water and provide shelter for fish and wildlife. Water lilies offer vibrant seasonal blooms, and deep-water plants like lotus and submerged oxygenators keep the ecosystem balanced. These plants bring both function and beauty, turning a pond into a living landscape.
Water Lilies - Nymphaea
- Nymphaea, commonly known as water lilies, are classic pond plants with floating leaves and vibrant blooms.
- They grow best in 12–24 inches of water, depending on the variety.
- Hardy lilies offer dependable blooms in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red, while tropical lilies add bold colors like blue and purple.
- Their broad leaves create shade, helping reduce algae and stabilize water temperature. Ideal for most pond sizes.
Lotus - Nelumbo
- Nelumbo, or lotus, are striking deep-water plants known for their large round leaves and dramatic flowers held above the water's surface.
- Lotus thrive in 12–18 inches of water for smaller varieties and 18–30 inches for standard types.
- They bloom in soft pinks, whites, yellows, and occasionally deeper shades depending on the cultivar.
- Lotus prefer warm, sunny ponds and create a bold focal point while providing shade and natural filtration.
Aponogeton distachyos - (Water Hawthorne)
- Water Hawthorne is a hardy deep-water plant with long, strap-like leaves that float on the surface. It produces vanilla-scented, white, forked flowers during early spring and late autumn—making it one of the few aquatic plants that bloom outside the summer season.
- Water Hawthorne grows well in 6–24 inches of water and may go dormant during the hottest months before returning with cooler temperatures.
Hydrocleys nymphoides - (Water Poppy)
- The Water Poppy is a tropical pond plant with glossy, rounded green leaves that resemble miniature water lilies.
- It produces delicate, three-petaled yellow poppy-like flowers throughout the warm season. Though each bloom is short-lived, the plant flowers frequently and spreads quickly in shallow areas.
- Best grown as an annual in cooler climates, it thrives in shallow to mid-depth water in warm zones like Florida.
Nymphoides spp. - (Water Snowflakes / Floating Heart)
- Water Snowflakes are tropical floating-leaf plants similar to small water lilies but known for their unique, short-lived yellow or white flowers with soft, fringed edges.
- The plants spread by long runners that root easily, forming clusters across the pond surface. Most varieties are tropical, but Nymphoides peltata (‘Floating Heart’) is the one hardy species in the group.
- Ideal for shallow to mid-depth water, providing quick coverage and seasonal color.
Marginal & Edge Plants
Planted in shallow water or along rocky edges; help filter nutrients and stabilize the shoreline.
Pickerel Rush - Pontederia cordata
- Shallow water, edge pockets
- Purple flower spikes, strong root system for filtration
Blue Flag Iris - Iris virginica
- 1–3" of water
- Native, colorful spring bloom
Soft Rush - Juncus effusus
- Edge crevices
- Fine texture, handles fluctuating water levels
Arrowhead / Duck Potato - Sagittaria latifolia
- Edge / shallow pools
- Large tropical leaves, white blooms, strong nutrient uptake
Dwarf Papyrus - Cyperus haspan
- Edge baskets / rock pockets
- Great vertical accent and texture
Stream Pool Accents
Used in the small still pools within the stream for height, color, and texture.
Golden Canna - Canna flaccida
- Stream pools / shallow ledges
- Bright yellow blooms, thrives in moving water
Taro / Elephant Ear - Colocasia esculenta
- Stream pockets / corners
- Dramatic leaves, natural tropical focal plant
Sweet Flag (Variegated) - Acorus calamus variegatus
- Pool edges
- Adds green-and-cream color contrast, aromatic foliage
Rain Lily - Zephyranthes spp.
- Shallow shelves / stream banks
- Seasonal pink or white blooms, hardy in full sun
Submerged & Oxygenating Plants
Live beneath the surface to improve oxygen and water clarity.
Anacharis - Elodea canadensis
- Weighted bunches in pond base
- Fast-growing oxygenator, helps fight algae
Hornwort—Ceratophyllum demersum
- Free-floating /submerged
- No roots required, excellent for deep zones
Floating Surface Plants
Provide shade, absorb nutrients, and prevent algae bloom.
Water Lettuce - Pistia stratiotes
- Surface of pond
- Easy to control, provides quick coverage
Water Hyacinth - Eichhornia crassipes
- Pond surface / stream outlet
- Purple flower blooms, excellent nutrient absorber
Frogbit - Limnobium spongia
- Calm surface areas
- Small lily-like look for visual softness
Border Transition Plants
Used along the outer edges to transition from pond rockwork to landscape beds.
Society Garlic - Tulbaghia violacea
- Dry edge perimeter
- Light fragrance, drought-tolerant
Dwarf Mondo Grass - Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’
- Border edge
- Low-profile green carpet effect
Aztec Grass / Variegated Liriope - Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’
- Dry edge
- Great for defining borders and blending into surrounding landscape