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Marginal Pond Plants

Explore our range of UK-grown marginal plants, selected for their strength, reliability, and ability to thrive in British pond conditions. Marginal plants grow in the shallow edges of ponds, helping to soften the transition between water and garden while providing structure, colour, and seasonal interest. From bold architectural foliage to delicate flowering varieties, these plants play an essential role in creating a natural, well-balanced pond. They also support wildlife by offering shelter for amphibians, insects, and pollinators.

Alongside trusted favourites, we offer a carefully chosen selection of rare and unusual marginal plants, ideal for adding something a little different to your pond. All our plants are grown for quality and establishment, so you can plant with confidence.

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iris setosa baby blue bp328 Sold out

Iris setosa 'Baby Blue'

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Iris setosa 'Baby Blue' is a compact iris with soft blue flowers. It suits damp soil and cooler climates. Appearance It forms short fans of leaves ...

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iris sibirica siberian flag iris bp068 Sold out

Iris sibirica (Siberian Flag Iris)

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Iris sibirica is Siberian iris, a hardy clump-forming iris for damp soil. It produces elegant flowers in late spring and early summer. Appearance I...

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iris ensata laughing lion marginal pond plants bp065
iris ensata laughing lion marginal pond plants bp065 Sold out

Iris ensata 'Laughing Lion'

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Iris ensata 'Laughing Lion' is a Japanese iris with bold patterned flowers. It suits bog gardens with rich, wet soil. Appearance It forms upright f...

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iris louisiana andy dandy mpa130
iris louisiana andy dandy mpa130
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Iris louisiana 'Andy Dandy'

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Iris louisiana 'Andy Dandy' is a Louisiana iris grown for rich coloured flowers. It thrives in very wet soil and shallow water. Appearance It forms...

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iris ensata dinner plate cupcake marginal pond plants bp110a
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Iris ensata 'Dinner Plate Cupcake'

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Iris ensata 'Dinner Plate Cupcake' is a Japanese iris selected for very large blooms. It suits bog gardens with rich, moisture-retentive soil. Appe...

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iris sibirica white mp326a
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Iris sibirica - White

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Iris sibirica (white form) is a hardy Siberian iris for damp soil. It produces clean white flowers in late spring and early summer. Appearance It f...

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iris ensata freckled geisha marginal pond plants bp058
iris ensata freckled geisha marginal pond plants bp058
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Iris ensata 'Freckled Geisha'

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Iris ensata 'Freckled Geisha' is a Japanese iris grown for large early summer flowers and clean upright foliage. It suits bog gardens where soil st...

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iris laevigata royal cartwheel marginal pond plants pond plants water plants mp327b
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Iris laevigata 'Royal Cartwheel'

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Iris laevigata 'Royal Cartwheel' is a Japanese water iris grown for large flat flowers and a strong upright habit. It thrives in saturated soil and...

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iris versicolor light blue marginal pond plants mp0a
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Iris versicolor - Light Blue

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Iris versicolor 'Light Blue' is a blue flag iris selection for wet soil and shallow margins. It offers strong colour in early summer and copes well...

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iris louisiana her highness marginal pond plants mpa129
iris louisiana her highness marginal pond plants mpa129
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Iris louisiana 'Her Highness'

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Iris louisiana 'Her Highness' is a Louisiana iris known for bold flowers and strong garden performance. It handles wetter soils than many irises an...

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iris ensata lady in waiting bp202
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Iris ensata 'Lady in Waiting'

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Iris ensata 'Lady in Waiting' is a Japanese iris grown for large early summer flowers and clean upright foliage. It suits bog gardens where soil st...

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iris ensata crystal halo bp052a
iris ensata crystal halo bp052a
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Iris ensata 'Crystal Halo'

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£2.60 - £55.58
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£2.60
Out of stock

Iris ensata 'Crystal Halo' is a Japanese iris grown for large early summer flowers and clean upright foliage. It suits bog gardens where soil stays...

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FAQs

What are marginal pond plants?

Marginal pond plants grow around the shallow edges of ponds, with their roots and crowns in or close to the water while their leaves and flowers grow above the surface. They are ideal for planting on pond shelves and help soften the transition between the pond and surrounding garden.

How deep should marginal pond plants be planted?

The correct planting depth varies between species. Some marginals prefer their crowns only just below the water surface, while others tolerate deeper water. Always check the recommended planting depth for the individual plant rather than placing all marginal plants at the same depth.

Can marginal pond plants grow in a wildlife pond?

Yes. Marginal plants are particularly valuable in wildlife ponds because their foliage provides cover around the pond edge and their stems can give emerging aquatic insects a route out of the water. Flowering species can also provide food for bees, hoverflies and other pollinators.

Do marginal pond plants need aquatic baskets?

Marginal plants are commonly grown in aquatic baskets, especially in lined ponds. Baskets make plants easier to position, lift and divide and can help contain vigorous roots. They should normally be filled with suitable aquatic compost or heavy loam rather than ordinary multipurpose compost.

When should I cut back marginal pond plants?

Dead or dying foliage can be removed as plants die back, particularly in autumn, to reduce the amount of decaying material entering the pond. Vigorous marginal plants can also be thinned or divided when they become overcrowded.

What are the best pond plants for a wildlife pond?

The best wildlife pond plants provide a mixture of underwater cover, surface shade, flowering habitat and places for aquatic insects to emerge. A balanced pond can include oxygenating plants, marginal plants and floating-leaved plants such as water lilies. Native species are particularly useful for supporting UK pond wildlife.

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