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Water Plants: We sell hardy water lilies and water iris for your pond or water garden!


Water Garden plants for Montana's Climate

Hardy Water Lilies (Nymphaea)
 
Hardy water lilies are the plants that often are responsible for a person becoming interested in water gardening. The floating foliage with colorful flowers interspersed throughout creates a visual image unlike any other in the garden. Hardy water lilies are perennial, coming back year after year to give continuous pleasure to the water gardener. They are available in all shades of red, pink, and yellow, as well as white. The changeable water lilies are variations of yellow with flowers that change hue during the bloom period. Not only are they beautiful, but they are useful in creating an environmentally balanced pond. The water lily pad, resting on the water's surface, naturally insulates the pool. It reflects heat during the day and holds heat in at night, thus stabilizing water temperature and assisting in algae control. It also takes nutrients out of the water which helps to starve algae. In order to environmentally balance a pool 40-60 percent of the water surface should be covered with floating foliage. Water lilies are one of the plants used.

Go see specific types of water lilies that grow well in Montana



Hardy Marginal / Bog Plants

The marginal and bog plants are traditionally planted along the margins of the pond or in moist soil. In water gardening, both marginal and bog plants are commonly referred to collectively as marginal plants. The marginal plants provide the vertical touch to a garden pond. Marginals make the pool look lush and attractive. The garden pool needs the vertical plants to offset the horizontal surface of the water and the horizontal growth habit of water lilies. A selection of marginals enhances the effect of water lilies. While water lilies provide the 'pizzazz', marginals provide the character.

Marginals are normally found in shallow water or moist soil along the edges of ponds and streams. Masses of these plants should be used similarly in the garden pond. Masses of several varieties are useful in naturalizing a garden while specimens can be planted to create a dramatic effect or contrast. Specimens are particularly useful in formal gardens.

Water Irises

Irises are a gardener's favorite. This is no exception with the water iris. The elegant early flowers of the spring herald the arrival of the water lilies and provide a touch of color while you wait for the rest of your flowers to bloom. After the flowering period, the foliage of the iris is an attractive contrast to the other marginals. Its fine textured blade complements the coarse texture of broadleaf. Water irises are offered in a full range of colors. Irises should be planted in slightly acid soil.


Hardy Ferns

Several ferns grow in water. Ferns add fine textured foliage to a water garden that cannot be achieved with any other plant. They are also perfect for the shady water garden. Ferns have always been a popular perennial. Those that grow in water can add immeasurably to your water garden.

Oxygenating Plants

Submerged plants are essential to maintain a proper balance in the pool. They add oxygen to the water and serve as a filter by absorbing dissolved nutrients and competing with the algae. Oxygenating plants are essential for pools with fish. Not only do they help establish a natural balance in the pool, they also serve as a food source, spawning mats, and a hiding place for baby fish.

Oxygenating plants should be potted. They can be planted in any size container from a four (4) inch pot to larger containers, using any good heavy soil. Do not use soilless mixes or commercial potting mixes. After planting the oxygenating plants, cover the pots with a light coating of gravel or sand to avoid muddying the water. If large fish are present the containers need to be covered with a protective material such as wire mesh until they become established.

Note: Place oxygenating plants in their own containers, as they compete with other plants when mixed.

Go to our Montana water garden plant list page



Montana Ponds, Inc.
14323 Rocky Mountain Road
Belgrade, MT 59714
(406) 388-4891