Best Aquatic Plants for Water Gardens: Marginals, Lilies, and Edge Plantings

Submerged Oxygenators

Anacharis, hornwort, jungle valisneria—plant directly in pea gravel 1–3 feet deep.

Marginal Plants

Need shallow water (0–6 inches). Iris, pickerel rush, arrowhead, cattail (contain in pots to prevent liner damage), lobelia, rushes, sedges. Build raised benches with cinder blocks or bricks if shelves are missing.

Water Lilies and Lotuses

Plant in 15-inch to 4-foot depths directly in gravel. They spread vigorously—use pots or root barriers if you want control.

Edge Plantings

Ornamental grasses, succulents, rock garden plants, and moisture-loving perennials (hostas, ferns) soften the pond margin.