Outdoor plants provide a constant thriving source of vibrant color and natural shade to every pond. Plants are easy to add to any pond by simply submerging the potted root system into the water. Completely cover the soil at the top of the potted plant with rocks in order to prevent the Koi (or whatever fish or animals are within the pond) from digging through the soil and chewing on the plants root system.
Five plants thrive within a Koi pond, and are an easy addition.
1) Elephant Ear
Elephant ear grows over four feet tall and produce extremely large thick green leaves. Elephant ear provide a great deal of shade and may be positioned anywhere within the pond provided the plant receives direct sunlight. Due to their size, elephant ear are typically near the center of the pond.
2) Iris
Iris is available in numerous different types, and typically positioned in a shallow section of the pond. Iris grows a flat green base that floats on the surface of the water with a vibrant colorful flower that grows about three inches from the surface.
3) Lotus
Lotus typically produces pink flowers, but other types are available that produce white, red or purple flowers. The flowers bloom on top of a small flat green base while the plant is young, but once a lotus reaches maturity the leaves grow very large lifting above the water with the large bright flower growing over two feet above the water. Lotus grows best in a semi-shallow portion of the pond.
4) Umbrella Plant
Umbrella plants are wide-reaching hardy lush plants that grow up to a height of over five feet tall and thrive in direct sunlight. Umbrella plants grow best in the center or deepest portion of the pond.
5) Lilies
Lilies are best in a shallow section of a pond and are available in numerous colors that bloom constantly in a hot sunny climate. The flowers grow on a stalk about two inches above a flat green pad that floats on the surface of the water.
Warning
If you own a pet that spends any amount of time outside, before adding any new plants to your yard - ALWAYS ask a professional if the plant is poisonous to animals. Numerous plants are poisonous to animals if the animal eats, chews, or licks any part of the plant.
