Pond Plants for Small Ponds: A Practical Guide

Small ponds can work well in gardens, patios and courtyards. They still need the right mix of plants. Good planting helps shade the water, use excess nutrients, soften the edges and provide cover for wildlife.

A small pond might be a preformed pond, raised pond, half barrel, Belfast sink, large tub or compact wildlife pond. The best plants depend on the size, depth and position of the pond.

This guide will help you choose a practical mix of plants for your space. You can also browse our full range of pond plants.

What Counts as a Small Pond?

For most gardens, a small pond is anything under around 2 metres wide. Patio ponds are usually smaller, often between 40cm and 90cm across. Half barrels and large containers often hold around 50 to 150 litres of water, depending on their size and depth.

Small ponds warm up faster than larger ponds. They can also lose water quickly in hot weather. This makes plant choice important. You need enough plants to shade and support the water, but not so many that the pond becomes packed by midsummer.

Before choosing plants, check three things:

• Surface area: small ponds need both plant cover and open water.
• Depth: marginal plants sit in shallow water, while oxygenators grow below the surface.
• Sunlight: most pond plants prefer sun or partial sun.

As a guide, aim to cover around one third to one half of the water surface with plants during summer. Leave clear water so you can see into the pond and spot problems early.

The Main Types of Pond Plants

A good small pond usually contains more than one type of plant. Each group has a different job.

Marginal Pond Plants

Marginal pond plants grow around the pond edge. Most sit in shallow water or wet soil. They hide liners, soften hard edges and give cover to insects, frogs and newts.

For small ponds, use a mix of low spreading plants and a few taller plants. This gives cover at different heights without making the pond look crowded.

Good marginal plants for small ponds include:

• Lysimachia nummularia, creeping Jenny, a low spreading plant that trails well around tubs, barrels and raised ponds.
• Mentha aquatica, water mint, a useful marginal with aromatic foliage and flowers that attract pollinators.
• Myosotis scorpioides, water forget-me-not, a good wildlife pond plant with small blue flowers and soft growth.
• Iris versicolor, blue flag iris, a taller plant for shallow margins and wet soil.
• Iris versicolor ‘Gerald Darby’, useful for purple-flushed spring foliage and early summer flowers.
• Iris ensata ‘Variegata’, a good option if you want striped foliage before the flowers appear.

For a patio pond, use 2 to 3 marginal plants if the container is large enough. Good choices include creeping Jenny, water mint and water forget-me-not. For a small wildlife pond, use 6 to 10 marginal plants around the edges, with only 1 or 2 taller plants such as irises.

Oxygenating Pond Plants

Oxygenating pond plants grow below the water surface. They use nutrients in the water and provide shelter for small aquatic life.

They are useful in small ponds because the water volume is limited. A few hot days can change the pond quickly. Submerged plants help the water stay more balanced, especially when you also include surface cover.

A good example is Ceratophyllum, hornwort. It grows below the surface and works well in small ponds, wildlife ponds and container ponds.

Use several small bunches rather than one large mass. This spreads the plants through the pond and gives better cover.

For a patio pond, use 2 portions of oxygenating plants. For a small preformed pond, use 3 to 5 portions. For a small wildlife pond under 2 metres wide, use 4 to 8 portions, depending on depth and surface area.

Floating Pond Plants

Floating pond plants sit on or near the water surface. They shade the pond and reduce the amount of light reaching the water. This can help reduce algae in sunny spots.

Floating plants can be very useful in patio ponds and small tubs. They also give shade and cover for wildlife below the surface.

Thin floating plants during warm weather. Keep some open water clear for light, oxygen exchange and wildlife access.

For a half barrel, start with 1 small portion of floating plants. For a small pond, use 1 to 3 portions, then thin them through summer if they spread too much.

Pygmy Water Lilies

Many people want a water lily in a small pond. That can work, but size matters. Standard water lilies are often too large for tubs, barrels and small preformed ponds.

Choose from pygmy water lilies for patio ponds and half barrels. They give surface cover and flowers without needing as much space as larger water lilies.

In a half barrel, use 1 pygmy water lily. In a wider small pond, use 1 small or pygmy lily, then combine it with marginals and oxygenators.

Place the basket at the correct depth for the plant. If the pond is too deep, raise the basket on bricks. As the leaves grow, you can lower it if needed.

Bog Plants Around Small Ponds

Bog plants grow in wet soil rather than open water. They suit damp pond edges, wet planting pockets and bog gardens beside a pond.

They are useful when your pond is small but you still want strong planting around it. You can keep the open water clear while adding height, flowers and cover around the edge.

Good bog and wet-edge plants include:

• Iris pseudacorus, yellow flag iris, a strong native iris for wet soil and larger pond edges.
• Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegata’, a variegated yellow flag iris with striped leaves.
• Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’, a Louisiana iris for wet soil and shallow margins.

Some bog plants grow strongly. Use them around small ponds rather than inside tiny tubs. Divide them when they become crowded.

How Many Plants Does a Small Pond Need?

Most small ponds need more plants than people expect. The key is to mix plant types. Do not fill the pond with one type of plant.

Use this as a practical guide:

• Half barrel or patio tub: 1 pygmy water lily or small floating plant, 2 to 3 compact marginal plants and 2 portions of oxygenating plants such as hornwort.
• Raised patio pond: 1 pygmy water lily or surface plant, 3 to 5 marginal plants and 2 to 3 portions of oxygenating plants.
• Small preformed pond: 1 small water lily or surface plant, 5 to 8 marginal plants and 3 to 5 portions of oxygenating plants.
• Small wildlife pond under 2 metres wide: 8 to 12 marginal plants, 4 to 8 portions of oxygenating plants and some surface cover.

Plant numbers depend on the final size of each plant. Water mint or creeping Jenny will behave very differently from a large iris. Use lower plants at the front and taller plants sparingly at the back or sides.

Simple Planting Recipes for Small Ponds

If you want a clear starting point, use one of these mixes.

For a Half Barrel Pond

Use this mix if your pond sits on a patio or small garden area:

• 1 pygmy water lily from the pygmy water lilies collection.
• 1 Lysimachia nummularia, creeping Jenny, to trail around the edge.
• 1 Myosotis scorpioides, water forget-me-not, for soft growth and wildlife value.
• 1 Mentha aquatica, water mint, if the container has enough room.
• 2 portions of Ceratophyllum, hornwort.

For a Small Wildlife Pond

Use this mix if the pond is in the ground and has shallow edges:

• 2 to 3 Myosotis scorpioides, water forget-me-not, for low cover and small blue flowers.
• 2 Mentha aquatica, water mint, for pollinators and scented foliage.
• 2 Lysimachia nummularia, creeping Jenny, to soften the edges.
• 1 to 2 taller marginals, such as Iris versicolor or Iris versicolor ‘Gerald Darby’.
• 4 to 8 portions of Ceratophyllum, hornwort.
• 1 to 2 portions of floating pond plants for summer shade, if needed.

For a Small Decorative Pond

Use this mix if you want flowers, foliage and tidy growth:

• 1 pygmy water lily from the pygmy water lilies collection.
• 1 Lysimachia nummularia, creeping Jenny, for low trailing growth.
• 1 Myosotis scorpioides, water forget-me-not, for small flowers and soft edges.
• 1 Mentha aquatica, water mint, for scent and pollinator interest.
• 1 Iris ensata ‘Variegata’, if you want one taller foliage plant.
• 3 to 5 portions of Ceratophyllum, hornwort.

Choosing Plants for a Patio Pond or Half Barrel

Patio ponds need compact plants and regular checks. The water can warm up and evaporate quickly in summer.

Use aquatic baskets where possible. They keep roots contained and make maintenance easier. Top the basket with aquatic gravel to stop compost clouding the water.

For a half barrel, avoid large vigorous plants unless you are happy to divide them often. Keep the planting simple. Use one surface plant, 2 to 3 marginals and oxygenating plants below the water.

Place the pond in sun or light shade. Avoid deep shade, as many pond plants will grow poorly. Avoid placing it under trees, as fallen leaves can rot in the water.

Common Mistakes With Small Pond Plants

The most common mistake is using too few plant types. A pond with only one plant group often looks bare or unbalanced. A better mix includes marginal plants, oxygenating plants and some surface cover.

The next mistake is choosing plants that grow too large. A strong plant can suit a wildlife pond, but it may overwhelm a barrel or small tub.

Watch for these issues:

• Leaves covering most of the water surface.
• Roots filling the planting basket.
• Marginal plants leaning across the pond.
• Dead leaves building up in the water.
• Green water caused by too much sun and excess nutrients.

Remove dead foliage when you see it. Thin floating plants during summer. Divide vigorous marginal plants when baskets become packed with roots.

Small Ponds Can Be Good for Wildlife

A small pond can still help wildlife. Even a patio pond can provide water for insects and birds. A ground-level pond can also support frogs, newts and aquatic insects if it has safe access.

Add a shallow area, ramp or stones so wildlife can get in and out. Avoid steep smooth sides where animals may become trapped. Use plants to create cover, but keep some open water clear.

For wildlife ponds, avoid adding fish. Fish often eat eggs, larvae and small aquatic animals. A plant-rich pond without fish usually gives better habitat in a small space.

Best Pond Plants for Small Ponds

The best pond plants for small ponds are plants that do a clear job without taking over too fast. Use oxygenators below the surface, lower marginals around the edge and a small amount of surface cover.

For most small ponds, a good starting mix would be Lysimachia nummularia, Mentha aquatica, Myosotis scorpioides, Ceratophyllum, hornwort and 1 pygmy water lily if the pond has enough surface area.

Add one iris if you want extra height. Good choices include Iris versicolor or Iris ensata ‘Variegata’.

You can browse the full pond plants collection, or narrow your choice by marginal pond plants, oxygenating pond plants, floating pond plants, pygmy water lilies and bog plants.

FAQ: Pond Plants for Small Ponds

What are the best pond plants for a small pond?

The best pond plants for a small pond are compact marginals, oxygenating plants and a small amount of surface cover. Good examples include creeping Jenny, water mint, water forget-me-not, hornwort and pygmy water lilies.

How many pond plants do I need for a small pond?

For a half barrel, use 1 surface plant, 2 to 3 marginal plants and 2 portions of oxygenating plants. For a small wildlife pond under 2 metres wide, use 8 to 12 marginal plants, 4 to 8 portions of oxygenating plants and some surface cover.

Can you put pond plants in a half barrel?

Yes, a half barrel can make a good patio pond. Use aquatic baskets, choose compact plants and include oxygenating plants below the surface. Creeping Jenny, water forget-me-not, water mint and hornwort are useful options.

Do small ponds need oxygenating plants?

Oxygenating plants are useful in small ponds. Hornwort is a good example. It grows below the surface, uses nutrients and provides shelter for aquatic life.

Are water lilies suitable for small ponds?

Some water lilies are suitable for small ponds. Choose pygmy water lilies for patio ponds, tubs and half barrels. Larger varieties usually need more space and depth.

How do I stop pond plants taking over a small pond?

Grow plants in aquatic baskets, remove dead leaves and thin excess growth during the growing season. Divide vigorous marginal plants when their baskets become crowded.