A Complete Guide to Common Aquatic Ornamental Plant Varieties
Aquatic ornamental plants play a vital role in waterscape gardens, not only adding natural beauty but also purifying water quality and regulating the ecosystem. Below is a selection of commonly used aquatic ornamental plants.
Lotus, also known as the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), is one of China's ten most famous flowers. It has extremely high ornamental value, with large, brightly colored blooms in a range of colors including red, pink and white. The lotus is highly adaptable and can be grown in large bodies of water such as ponds and lakes, as well as in small pools or water vats. The lotus also carries deep cultural significance; in traditional Chinese culture it symbolizes nobility and purity.
Water Lily is similar to the lotus, but its flowers are smaller and come in an even richer range of colors, including white, yellow, purple and blue. The leaves of the water lily lie flat against the water surface and have an elegant shape. Water lilies favor sunny, warm and humid environments and are well suited to planting in small pools, fountains and other waterscapes.
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) is a perennial emergent or wetland herbaceous plant. Its leaves are emerald green, its flowers are blue-purple, and its spike-like inflorescences are borne terminally. Pickerelweed favors warm, humid environments with ample light, can grow in ponds, streams and other bodies of water, and provides habitat for aquatic organisms.
Softstem Bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) is a perennial aquatic herbaceous plant that can reach a height of about 2 m. Its stems are upright and cylindrical. The leaves of the softstem bulrush are slender and linear. It favors cool, moist environments and can grow in shallow water areas or wetlands. It has a certain ornamental value and can also purify water quality.
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach a height of about 1 m. Its flowers are purplish red, with cymose inflorescences clustered in the leaf axils. Purple loosestrife favors strong light and moist environments and can grow in shallow water areas or along riverbanks. It has a long flowering period and vivid flower color, making it a very beautiful aquatic ornamental plant.
Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) is a perennial aquatic herbaceous plant with sword-shaped, emerald green, upright leaves. Sweet flag has a distinctive fragrance and can be used to make incense. It is highly adaptable, can grow in shallow water areas or wetlands, and is often used to accent waterscapes such as ponds and streams. Sweet flag not only has ornamental value but can also purify water quality and provide a good living environment for aquatic organisms.
