The soothing sound of running water combined with lush greenery creates a relaxing oasis in any garden. When designing plantings around fountains and water features, choose varieties that thrive in damp conditions and high humidity Avoid aggressive spreaders that require frequent pruning to keep them contained Consider height, texture, and color for optimal appeal.
1. Ferns
Ferns naturally flourish in moist woodlands so they are well-suited to fountain borders. Their arching fronds add soft, graceful texture. Try hardy evergreen varieties like Christmas fern, autumn fern, or Japanese painted fern. Deer-resistant ebony spleenwort stays compact at 1 foot tall.
2. Impatiens
Impatiens produce abundant blooms in shady sites with rich, constantly damp soil. They appreciate the humidity generated by fountains. Choose from varieties with single or double flowers in bright shades like red, orange, pink, purple, and white. Plant en masse for bold color impact.
3. Astilbe
Feathery, plume-like astilbe flowers thrive with consistent moisture These shade-loving perennials add vibrant spikes of color in white, pink, red, purple or salmon. Plant in groups for full effect Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
4. Coral Bells
Also called heuchera, coral bells come in a diverse range of leaf colors like lime green, deep burgundy, frosted pink and variegated patterns. Short flower stalks appear in spring and early summer. Compact varieties work well in fountain borders.
5. Begonias
Few plants enjoy moisture as much as begonias. With showy blooms and ornamental leaves, begonias inject vibrant color around fountains. Try hardy varieties like hardy begonia, evansiana begonia, and rhizomatous begonia. Grow in pots to overwinter indoors where winters are harsh.
6. Marsh Marigold
With round glossy leaves and cheery yellow blooms, marsh marigolds thrive in consistently wet soil. Plant them in bog gardens or at fountain edges. Marsh marigolds spread rapidly so they work best in large spaces rather than confined borders.
7. Papyrus
Graceful papyrus grasses resemble miniature palm trees, with green tufted heads atop tall slender stems. Grow in pots partially submerged in fountain pools. Provide fertile, soggy soil and full sun for best growth. Papyrus may die back in winter if temperatures drop below freezing.
8. Canna Lily
Tropical-looking canna lilies relish humidity and moist soil. With vivid blooms and vibrant striped leaves, they inject bold texture and color next to fountains. Canna lilies die back after frost so lift bulbs and store over winter in cold climates.
9. Hostas
Hostas thrive in shade and moist rich soil, making them ideal fountain plants. Varieties range from bold wide leaves to slender grassy foliage. Add mulch around hostas to retain soil moisture. Slugs may chew holes in the leaves.
10. Ligularia
Called goldenray or leopard plant, ligularia produces tall spikes of yellow daisy-like blooms. Large rounded leaves often display dramatic dark green and purple variegation. Ligularia grows up to 4 feet tall and appreciates consistent moisture.
11. Forget-Me-Nots
True forget-me-nots produce clouds of petite blue flowers in spring. The short groundcover thrives in damp partly shaded areas like fountain mist zones. It may self seed profusely so keep an eye on unwanted spread.
12. Cardinal Flower
One of the most striking native wildflowers, cardinal flower sends up tall spikes of brilliant red blooms irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. Plant in partly sunny spots with moist rich soil. Cut back after bloom for possible rebloom.
When selecting plants, note sunlight exposure, fountain spray patterns, and soil moisture levels in different border zones. Group complementary varieties together for cohesive designs. Maintain optimal growing conditions and prune as needed to keep plantings tidy. With the right choices, a lush living border can enhance the beauty of your fountain or water feature.
Plants with Interesting Textures and Shapes
When you look into the world of plants, you can find amazing things, especially when you pay attention to the many interesting textures and strange shapes they have. Let your mind wander as you walk through a botanical garden or hike through a dense forest and find the perfect example of Mother Nature’s art. Look at the intricate patterns on a fern or the ribbed surface of a cactus. Or look at how the tightly overlapping leaves of an artichoke are symmetrically beautiful. Enjoy the humor of a fiddle-leaf fig’s wavy edges and the exotic beauty of a snake plant’s strong, straight leaves. The bright colors and smooth surfaces of the tropical pitcher plant will draw insects to it with its alluring charm. By looking for plants with unique traits, you’ll find a huge number of one-of-a-kind specimens and go on exciting adventures while learning more about the world’s amazing variety of plants and animals.
Consider the Size of Your Water Feature
Do you know that bigger features might need stronger plants? When choosing the right water feature for your outdoor living space, you need to think about the size and scale of the water feature itself because that directly affects the plants that will look best with it. When water features are bigger, they need plants that are stronger and can survive in the background of falling water and more moisture. Being careful to choose plants that can not only survive the conditions around the water feature but also improve its overall look while keeping the ecosystems it supports in balance is important. Picking the right mix of plants is the most important part of making a beautiful and peaceful water feature that the whole family can enjoy, whether you’re making a small pond or a big waterfall.
Plant a garden around a water feature
FAQ
What plants grow well near water?
Can I put plants in my water fountain?
How do you decorate a water fountain?
Which plants can withstand conditions next to a water fountain?
Not all plants can withstand conditions next to a fountain. The best plants to put around water fountains are those that favor high humidity conditions and moist soil. Ruth Hartnup / CC BY 2.0
What are the different types of water garden plants?
Water garden plants are divided into a few main categories. Floating Plants / Floaters: These plants grow and float on the water surface and are not anchored to the soil at all. They absorb nutrients from the water directly and do not need soil to grow. The Many Benefits of Water Garden Plants
What are the best water garden plants?
Many of the best water garden plants are marginals, which grow happily around the edge of a garden pond or pool – this includes those suited to shallower and deeper water. They enhance the look of a water feature and are also an excellent wildlife garden idea, providing shelter and food for visiting wildlife.
What plants can live in water?
There are many garden plants that can live in water. In addition to water lilies, Iris versicolor, marsh marigold, and dwarf reef mace, there are many more, including water mint, water forget-me-not, fanwort, creeping jenny.
What plants should you put around a water fountain?
The best plants to put around water fountains are those that favor high humidity conditions and moist soil. Ruth Hartnup / CC BY 2.0 The gentle patter of water, its graceful trajectory or flow, and the occasional spray or splash towards a lush green border: it’s a sensory image that sticks!
What is a good water feature for a garden?
For small backyards and patios, a simple garden water feature can still be eye-catching. This glazed ceramic dish and bowl hold just enough water to let sunlight glint off the surface. A glass ball in the basin offers a safe perch for insects and other wildlife that stop by for a drink. 14. Walkway Water Feature