Plants For Fountains

Choosing the right plants for fountains is a key part of creating a beautiful and healthy water feature. These plants need to tolerate constant moisture on their roots while complementing the water feature aesthetically. The right selections can turn a simple fountain into a vibrant, living ecosystem.

This guide will help you pick the best plants. We will cover options for in the water, around the edges, and in the nearby damp soil. You will learn how to combine them for a stunning look that also keeps the water clean.

When we talk about plants for fountains, we are usually refering to three main planting zones. Each zone has different conditions, so the plants that thrive there vary. Understanding these zones is the first step to a successful fountain garden.

The first zone is the submerged or fully aquatic area. This is the water in the fountain basin itself. Plants here live entirely or mostly under water. Their main jobs are to oxygenate the water and compete with algae for nutrients.

The second zone is the marginal or shallow water area. This includes the very edges of the fountain, shallow shelves, or a surrounding bowl. Plants here have their roots and lower stems submerged, but their foliage grows above the water line.

The third zone is the moist perimeter. This is the damp ground immediately surrounding the fountain where splash-over occurs. Plants here need to love wet feet but are not fully aquatic. They help blend the fountain seamlessly into the rest of your garden.

Benefits Of Fountain Plants

Adding plants does much more than just improve the apperance. They play several crucial functional roles that make maintaining your fountain easier.

Natural Filtration: Plants absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the water. This starves algae, keeping the water clearer and reducing how often you need to clean.
Oxygenation: Submerged plants release oxygen into the water during photosynthesis. This is vital for any fish you might have and for overall water health.
Habitat and Shade: Plants provide shelter for beneficial insects and small creatures. Floating leaves also shade the water, which helps control water temperature and further discourages algae growth.
Erosion Control: Plants around the edges help hold soil in place, preventing mud from washing into your fountain during rain or watering.
Aesthetic Harmony: They soften hard edges, add color, texture, and movement, making the fountain look like a natural part of the landscape.

Choosing The Right Plants For Your Setup

Not every plant is suited for every fountain. You need to consider your specific setup before you go shopping. This will save you time, money, and ensure your plants thrive.

First, assess the size and depth of your fountain. A small tabletop fountain has very different options than a large, in-ground basin. Measure the water depth in different areas, especially for the marginal zone.

Consider the amount of sunlight the fountain receives. Is it in full sun, partial shade, or full shade? Most aquatic plants prefer full sun, but there are excellent choices for shadier spots too.

Think about your climate zone. Are you in a region with freezing winters? If so, you will need to choose hardy plants or plan to bring tender ones indoors. Also, check if any plant is considered invasive in your area; you want to avoid those.

Finally, decide on the maintenance level you prefer. Some plants grow slowly and need little care, while others grow vigorously and may need regular trimming to keep them in check.

Best Submerged (Oxygenating) Plants

These plants live almost entirely underwater. They are the workhorses of the fountain, crucial for water quality. You usually plant them in pots filled with aquatic soil and gravel, then place them on the bottom of the fountain.

Anacharis (Elodea Canadensis)

Anacharis is one of the most popular and effective oxygenators. It has long, trailing stems with whorls of small, bright green leaves. It grows quickly and helps clarify water by absorbing a lot of nutrients.

Care: Very easy. It can be planted or simply weighted and left to float.
Light: Prefers full sun to part shade.
Note: It can be invasive in some natural waterways, so never dispose of it in ponds or streams.

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum)

Hornwort is a free-floating plant with dense, feathery foliage. It doesn’t grow roots, so it just drifts in the water column. It provides excellent cover for fish and is very efficient at oxygenating.

Care: Extremely low-maintenance. Just drop it in.
Light: Adapts to a wide range of light conditions.
Note: It can shed needles if moved suddenly, but it regrows quickly.

Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria Subulata)

This plant looks like a thin, grassy underwater lawn. It sends out runners and forms a dense carpet on the bottom. It’s a good choice for adding a different texture.

Care: Plant in small pots. Trim runners if it spreads too much.
Light: Needs moderate to high light.
Note: It will sometimes send up small, ribbon-like leaves above the water surface.

Best Marginal (Shallow Water) Plants

Marginal plants are the stars of the show. They provide height, color, and dramatic foliage right at the water’s edge. They are typically planted in aquatic planting baskets placed on shallow ledges or stands so the crown of the plant is just above or below the water line.

Dwarf Papyrus (Cyperus Papyrus ‘Nanus’)

This plant gives a tropical, architectural feel with its tall, slender stems topped with umbrella-like tufts. The dwarf variety is perfect for fountains, as it stays much smaller than its giant cousin.

Care: Plant in a large pot. It’s a heavy feeder, so use aquatic plant fertilizer tabs.
Light: Thrives in full sun.
Note: In cold climates, bring it indoors before the first frost.

Water Iris (Iris Species)

Water Irises are beloved for their beautiful flowers and sword-shaped leaves. Varieties like the Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) or the Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) are excellent choices.

Care: Plant rhizomes just at or slightly below the soil surface in an aquatic basket.
Light: Prefers full sun for best flowering.
Note: Many are quite cold-hardy and will come back year after year.

Pickerel Rush (Pontederia Cordata)

This native plant has attractive, heart-shaped leaves and spikes of lovely blue or purple flowers in late summer. It attracts pollinators and is very reliable.

Care: Easy to grow. Plant in an aquatic basket. Deadhead spent flowers.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Note: It spreads by rhizomes but is generally well-behaved in a container.

Corkscrew Rush (Juncus Effusus ‘Spiralis’)

For unique texture, the Corkscrew Rush is unbeatable. Its dark green stems grow in fascinating, twisted spirals. It adds a playful, sculptural element.

Care: Very low maintenance. Just plant it and watch it twist.
Light: Does well in full sun or part shade.
Note: It’s a conversation starter and looks great in modern or traditional settings.

Best Floating Plants

Floating plants drift on the surface, their roots dangling in the water. They provide fantastic shade and are excellent at soaking up excess nutrients. They require no planting; you simply place them on the water.

Water Lettuce (Pistia Stratiotes)

Water Lettuce forms rosettes of velvety, light green leaves that resemble, well, lettuce. It has long, feathery roots that provide great filtration and fish shelter.

Care: Remove extra plants as they multiply. Sensitive to frost.
Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates some shade.
Note: It’s considered invasive in many warm states, so check local regulations.

Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes)

Known for its glossy, rounded leaves and beautiful lavender flowers, Water Hyacinth is a fast-growing floater. It’s one of the most efficient nutrient absorbers available.

Care: Grows rapidly in warm, nutrient-rich water. Control its spread.
Light: Requires full sun to bloom.
Note: It is highly invasive and illegal to possess in several states. Always verify before purchasing.

Frogbit (Limnobium Laevigatum)

Frogbit looks like a small, floating water lily with round, bright green leaves. It’s less aggressive than Water Hyacinth or Lettuce, making it a good choice for smaller fountains.

Care: Easy. Thin out as needed. It produces small white flowers.
Light: Prefers partial to full sun.
Note: A more gentle option that still provides good surface cover.

Best Moist Perimeter Plants

These plants live in the consistently damp soil around the fountain’s base. They bridge the gap between your water feature and the drier garden beds beyond.

Astilbe

Astilbe is prized for its fluffy, plume-like flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. Its fern-like foliage adds texture even when it’s not in bloom.

Care: Plant in rich, moist soil. Divide clumps every few years.
Light: Partial to full shade is ideal; it wilts in hot afternoon sun.
Note: A classic shade plant that loves the moisture from fountain splash.

Ligularia

Ligularia offers bold, large leaves, often with deep purple undersides, and tall spikes of yellow or orange flowers. It makes a dramatic statement.

Care: Needs constant moisture and rich soil. Slugs may be a problem.
Light: Prefers partial shade, as full sun can scorch its leaves.
Note: Perfect for creating a lush, jungle-like feel around your fountain.

Japanese Primrose (Primula Japonica)

This primrose produces beautiful tiered whorls of flowers in spring. It comes in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, and it thrives in wet conditions.

Care: Plant in humus-rich, constantly damp soil. It may self-seed.
Light: Dappled shade or morning sun is best.
Note: Provides wonderful early-season color around your water feature.

Planting And Maintenance Guide

Putting your plants in correctly and caring for them properly ensures they will flourish. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started.

How To Plant In A Fountain

Choose the Right Containers: Use perforated aquatic planting baskets. They allow water exchange while containing the soil.
Use the Correct Soil: Always use heavy clay-based aquatic planting soil or a sand/clay mix. Never use standard potting mix, as it will float away and cloud the water.
Planting Process: Fill the basket halfway with soil. Position the plant, then fill around it. Top with a layer of pea gravel to keep the soil in place.
Acclimate the Plants: Before placing them in the fountain, soak the planted baskets in a bucket of water for about an hour to settle the soil.
Position in the Fountain: Place submerged plants on the bottom. Set marginal plants on bricks or upside-down pots to achieve the correct water depth for that species.

Ongoing Care And Seasonal Tasks

Regular maintenance keeps your fountain garden healthy and attractive. It’s not difficult, but a little attention goes a long way.

Water Quality: Top off the fountain with fresh water as needed to compensate for evaporation. Use a dechlorinator if your tap water is heavily treated.
Fertilizing: Feed marginal plants with aquatic plant fertilizer tablets pushed into the soil every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning and Thinning: Regularly remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers. Thin out fast-growing floaters and oxygenators to prevent them from taking over.
Algae Control: A healthy balance of plants, shade, and not overfeeding will control algae. You can manually remove string algae with a stick or brush.
Winter Care: In freezing climates, drain and store non-hardy fountains. Move tender plants indoors to a bright, cool spot. Hardy plants can be moved to the deepest part of a pond or sunk into the ground and mulched heavily.

Design Tips For A Stunning Fountain Garden

Think about the overall look you want to achieve. Do you prefer a formal, symmetrical design or a wild, naturalistic one? Your plant choices and arrangements will follow this theme.

Use a variety of heights, textures, and colors. Place taller plants like Dwarf Papyrus at the back or center (for an island fountain), medium-height plants like Iris around them, and let trailing or low plants spill over the edges. The contrast between spiky leaves (Rush) and broad leaves (Water Lettuce) creates visual interest.

Consider bloom time. Select plants that flower at different times so you have sequential color from spring through fall. For example, start with Japanese Primrose, follow with Iris in early summer, then Pickerel Rush in late summer, and finish with the fall color of certain grasses.

Don’t forget about foliage. Many aquatic plants have spectacular leaves in shades of green, blue-green, bronze, or variegated. Foliage provides structure and beauty even when no flowers are present.

Common Problems And Solutions

Even with the best planning, you might encounter a few issues. Here are common problems and how to fix them.

Excessive Algae Growth

This is usually a sign of too many nutrients and too much sunlight.

Solution: Add more fast-growing plants (especially floaters and oxygenators) to outcompete the algae. Ensure at least 50-60% of the water surface is shaded by plants. Avoid overfeeding fish if you have them.

Plants Failing To Thrive

If plants look stunted or yellow, they might be lacking nutrients or be in the wrong light.

Solution: Use aquatic fertilizer tablets. Check the light requirements for each plant and reposition them if they are in too much sun or too much shade.

Overgrown Plants

Vigorous plants can quickly fill a small fountain.

Solution: Regular trimming is key. Divide marginal plants every 2-3 years in spring. Simply remove the basket, pull or cut the plant into smaller sections, and replant the healthiest pieces.

Pests

Aphids or caterpillars can sometimes bother marginal plants.

Solution: Spray them off with a strong jet of water from a hose. Avoid using insecticides, as they can harm the water quality and any wildlife in or around the fountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Regular Garden Soil For My Fountain Plants?

No, you should never use regular garden soil or lightweight potting mix. It will cloud the water, decompose quickly, and may contain pathogens. Always use a specific, heavy clay-based aquatic planting soil.

How Many Plants Should I Put In My Fountain?

A good rule of thumb is to aim for plants to cover about two-thirds of the water surface area. This provides enough shade and filtration without looking overcrowded. Start with a few and add more as needed.

What Are The Best Low-maintenance Plants For A Fountain?

For minimal care, consider Hornwort or Anacharis