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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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Houttuynia cordata 'Flore Pleno'

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Houttuynia cordata 'Flore Pleno' is a vigorous ground cover for wet soil, grown for heart-shaped leaves and double white flowers. It’s sometimes so...

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Lysimachia thyrsiflora (Tufted Loosestrife)

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Lysimachia thyrsiflora is tufted loosestrife, a wetland plant with yellow flower clusters that sit along upright stems. It’s a good summer bloomer ...

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Mimulus guttatus (Monkey Flower)

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Mimulus guttatus is common monkey flower, a moisture-loving plant with bright yellow, spotted blooms. It’s a strong choice for bog edges and stream...

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Petasites hybridus (Butterbur)

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Petasites hybridus is common butterbur, also called umbrella plant in garden talk. It’s a UK native that loves wet ground and makes very large leav...

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Littorella uniflora (American Shoreweed)

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Littorella uniflora is shoreweed, a low plant for shallow water and wet sandy margins. It’s used in natural ponds and wildlife setups where you wan...

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Pontederia lanceolata (Giant Pickerel Weed)

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Pontederia lanceolata is giant pickerel weed, a taller, chunkier cousin of standard pickerel weed. It’s grown for upright leaf clumps and long blue...

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Peltandra undulata (Green Arrow Arum)

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Peltandra undulata is green arrow arum, a North American marginal with glossy arrow-shaped leaves. It’s grown mainly for foliage, and it gives you ...

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Lycopus europaeus (Gypsywort)

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Lycopus europaeus is gypsywort, a UK native for wet ground. It’s a quiet plant that does a good job in wildlife bog gardens, especially where you w...

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Lysichiton camtschatcensis (Asian Skunk Cabbage)

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Lysichiton camtschatcensis is Asian skunk cabbage, grown for huge leaves and early spring white spathes. It’s a plant for people who want bold foli...

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Iris ensata 'Harlequinesque'

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Iris ensata 'Harlequinesque' is a Japanese iris grown for large early summer flowers. You may also see Japanese iris sold under the older name Iris...

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Iris ensata 'Activity'

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Iris ensata 'Activity' is a Japanese iris for bog gardens and pond margins. It’s grown for large early summer flowers and upright foliage. Japanese...

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Iris versicolor 'Kermesina'

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Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' is a cultivar of blue flag iris, a wetland iris that suits bog gardens and pond edges. It is a tough iris that copes we...

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Lysimachia punctata (Dotted Loosestrife)

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Lysimachia punctata is dotted loosestrife, a tough perennial with yellow flowers along upright stems. It is not a true marginal, but it likes moist...

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Phragmites australis (Common Reed)

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Phragmites australis is common reed, a tall UK native grass for wetlands and pond margins. It is useful for screening and wildlife cover, but it ne...

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Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal)

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Mentha pulegium is pennyroyal, a low mint that likes damp soil and pond edges. It’s often used as a scented ground cover in wet spots, and it can f...

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Juncus ensifolius (Flying Hedgehogs)

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Juncus ensifolius is swordleaf rush, and 'Flying Hedgehogs' is a named form sold for its quirky flower heads. It’s a neat rush for wet soil and pon...

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Lysimachia punctata 'Alexander'

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Lysimachia punctata 'Alexander' is a variegated dotted loosestrife with yellow flowers and cream-edged leaves. It’s a useful plant when you want su...

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Cyperus percamenthus 'King Tut'

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Cyperus 'King Tut' is an umbrella sedge grown for tall stems topped with big green umbrella heads. It’s often sold as a patio marginal for tubs and...

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Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant)

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Physostegia virginiana is obedient plant, a late summer bloomer for damp soil. It gets its name because you can gently move the flowers on the spik...

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Houttuynia cordata 'Boo-Boo'

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Houttuynia cordata 'Boo-Boo' is a compact, variegated houttuynia grown for colourful heart-shaped leaves. It’s often sold as a chameleon plant type...

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Lychnis flos-cuculi (Ragged Robin)

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Lychnis flos-cuculi is ragged robin, a classic damp meadow plant with airy pink flowers. It is ideal for natural bog gardens and damp meadow edges ...

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Phalaris arundinacea var picta (Gardener's Garters)

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Phalaris arundinacea var. picta is ribbon grass, also called gardener’s garters. It’s a wetland grass with striped leaves and a strong spreading ha...

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Potentilla palustris (Marsh Cinquefoil)

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Potentilla palustris is marsh cinquefoil, also known as Comarum palustre. It’s a proper bog plant with dark, starry flowers and a long season in we...

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Petasites Japonicus 'Variegatus' (Variegated Japanese Butterbur)

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Petasites japonicus 'Variegatus' is variegated Japanese butterbur, grown for huge leaves with cream markings. It brings instant coverage in damp gr...

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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.