Strong Verticals for Medium and Small Pond!

Strong Verticals for Medium and Small Ponds!

Just like in large ponds but half the size, the strong verticals create a background for flowering varieties in medium and small ponds as well.

These pond plants, which are not usually flashy or colorful, have intricately unusual flowers that add interest and texture.

Best to plant these individually in large containers so that they can fill out to provide a dense, green or variegated foliage backdrop. The more tender varieties, often referred to as tropicals, are hardy in Zones 8 through 11.

For this reason these plants are sometimes are over looked in cooler climates which is unfortunate because many have striking foliage and blossoms that will add a dramatic accent to any pond or water garden.

In areas colder than Zone 8, tropicals can be used as houseplants in the winter with adequate light and moist soil.

Acorus calamus �Variegatus�
(Variegated Sweet Flag)

2� to 3�
Zone 4

Beautiful green and cream striped foliage persists all summer.

Leaves are sweet scented when broken.

Once used underfoot in doorways to create a welcoming aroma.

Baumea rubiginosa �Variegata�
(Variegated Striped Rush)

2� Tall
Zone 8

Stiff, dark green sword-like foliage with vertical bright yellow stripes and cylindrical habit.

Tolerates full sun to part shade.

Semi-evergreen.

Cyperus alternifolius � Gracilis�
(Dwarf Umbrella Palm)

Grow 2� to 3�
Zone 8

A smaller, narrow leaved version of umbrella palm.

More erect habit.

Well suited to any size pond.

Iris �Black Gamecock�
(Louisiana Iris)

2� to 3� � Flowers April
Zone 4

Striking midnight purple blossoms perch high atop graceful medium green foliage.

The dark flowers are highly visible from a distance.

Iris pseudacorus
(Yellow Flag Iris)

3� to 4� � Flowers April, May
Zone 4

This outstanding European species produces masses of brilliant canary yellow blossoms that stand well above the tall erect foliage.

Iris �Rose Queen�

2� � Flowers May
Zone 4

Unique lavender-pink flowers tower above fine grass-like foliage.

Good clumping variety.

Late season bloomer.

Plant in or out of the pond.

Iris versicolor
(Blue Flag Iris)

2� to 3� � Flowers April
Zone 4

Delicate violet blossoms rise gracefully above sword-like foliage.

Small stature, good for patio gardens and natural filters.

North America native.

Juncus effusus �Gold Strike�
(Variegated Common Rush)

Grow 2� to 3�
Zone 5

An excellent substitute for Baumea rubiginosa �Variegata�, (Variegated Striped Rush), in northern water garden.

Yellow stripes run the full length of each spike.

Juncus effusus �Spiralis�
(Corkscrew Rush)

1� � Flowers May, June
Zone 5

Very unusual dark green corkscrew stems.

Creates a mound of unique foliage texture.

Juncus glauca
(Blue Rush)

Grow 1� to 2�
Zone 5

Pinpoint blue-gray needles form a dense and uniform clump.

Semi-evergreen.

Takes some shade.

Pontederia dilatata
(Royal Pickerel)

4� to 5� � Flowers July, August, September
Zone 7

Dense tall blue flowers.

Foliage is upright and superb in every characteristic.

May be hardy to Zone 6 or colder.

Pontederia cordata
(Pickerel Rush)

2� to 3� � Flowers July, August, September
Zone 3

Native.

Slick, broad dark green foliage.

Bright lavender flowers.

Easy to grow and long blooming.

Pontederia cordata var. alba
(White Pickerel Rush)

1� to 2� - Flowers July, August, September
Zone 6

Attractive shiny foliage.

White blossoms that have an incredibly long blooming period.

Sagittaria latifolia
(Arrowhead)

2� � Flowers July, August
Zone 4

Strong, wide arrow-shaped foliage.

Delicate white flowers with bright yellow centers.

North America native.

Sagittaria montevidensis
(Aztec Arrowhead)

2� to 3� - Flowers July, August, September
Zone 8

Strong, showy rich-green foliage.

White flowers with burgundy markings and bright yellow centers.

Likes deeper water.

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