Aquatic Plants

5 different varieties of water/aquatic plants.

Relax & Enjoy a Water Garden

In water gardens, aquatic plants play different roles based on the type of plant and where it is positioned within the water feature. These plants include marginal plants, oxygenators and surface plants—like water lilies.

Aquatic plants are available seasonally, while supplies last. Please contact your local SummerWinds Nursery to confirm availability.

Marginal Plants

Bright yellow March Marigold marginal water plant.Marginal plants grow around the margins of the pond where the water is shallow. They play a crucial role in filtering the water by absorbing nutrients and providing a buffer zone that traps sediments. Emergent plants are a type of marginal plant that are characterized specifically by having their leaves and flowers growing above the water surface. Their roots are anchored in the pond's bottom, but their foliage emerges out of the water. This category includes plants like lotuses and some taller plants like cattails.

Marginal Plants Listed by Height

Under 2-Feet Tall

  • Closeup of Blue Moneywort Aquatic Flowers.Blue Moneywort (Lindernia grandiflora): Trailing groundcover with small blue flowers. Loves water and sun. Spreads, grows 2-4 inches tall.
  • Dwarf Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus haspans): Low-growing water-edge plant. Loves wet feet and sun to part shade. Grows 12-24 inches tall.


  • Closeup photo of purple Katie Dwarf Ruellia aquatic flowers.Katie Dwarf Ruellia (Ruella brittoniana Katie): Compact and heat-tolerant. Lavender blooms and lush foliage. Grows 12-18 inches tall.
  • Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris): Cool-season bloomer best in filtered sun and moist soil. Struggles in summer heat. Grows 12-18 inches tall.


  • Pink Rain Lily Marginal Water Plant.Pink Rain Lily (Zephyranthes robustus): Pink blooms in bursts. Prefers moist soil and part sun. Reaches 8-12 inches tall.
  • Society Garlic (Tulbaghia v. variegata): Tough ornamental with garlic-scented foliage and lilac flowers. Tolerates dry soil, once established. Grows 12-18 inches tall.
  • White Rain Lily (Zephyranthes candida): Shiny white flowers post-rain. Grows in sun or part shade with moist soil. Grows 6-10 inches tall.
  • Yellow-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium californicum): Yellow blooms atop grassy clumps. Likes moisture and part sun. Grows 8-12 inches tall.
  • Yerba Mansa aquatic flowers.Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica): Native to wet areas; great for wildlife. Tolerates heat with consistent water. Grows 12-18 inches tall.

2 to 4-Feet Tall

  • Blue Iris flowers in a garden.Blue Flag/Water Iris (Iris versicolor): Vibrant blue blooms, ideal for water gardens. Grows 2-inches to 3 feet tall in full sun and wet soils.
  • Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica): Elegant white blooms. Needs afternoon shade and moist soil. Grows 2-inches to 3 feet tall.
  • Cardinal Flower (Lobelia fulgens Queen Victoria): Red foliage and scarlet blooms. Prefers moist soil and filtered sun. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
  • Chi Chi Ruellia aquatic flower growing in a water garden.Chi Chi Ruellia (Ruella brittoniana Chi Chi):  Bright pink blooms on upright stems. Drought-tolerant but thrives with moisture. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
  • Dwarf Canna Lily – Happy Carmen, Happy Cleo, Happy Emily, Happy Isabel, and Happy Julia (Canna Cannasol): Compact canna with bold flowers and lush foliage. Excellent in containers or pond edges. Grows 18-30 inches tall.

  • Marginal Plant: Disco Belle Hibiscus Blooms.Hardy Hibiscus – Disco Belle Mixture (Hibiscus moscheutos Disco Belle Mixture): Big, bold flowers in summer. Needs full sun and regular water. Grows 3-inches to 4-feet tall.
  • Horsetail Rush (Equisetum hyemale): Heat-tolerant and thrives in wet or shallow water zones. Architectural vertical growth to 3-inches to 4-feet tall.
  • Louisiana Iris – Ann Chowning (Iris louisiana Ann Chowning): Bold red blooms. Thrives in boggy conditions with sun. Grows 2-inches to 3-feet tall.
  • A closeup of an Iris louisiana - Black Gamecock.Louisiana Iris – Black Gamecock (Iris louisiana Black Gamecock): Deep purple flowers. Loves boggy soil and part sun. Grows 2-inches to 3-feet tall.
  • Mojito Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta Mojito): Mottled green-and-black foliage. Needs consistent moisture and part shade. Grows 3-inches to 4-feet tall.
  • Purple Pickerel Rush aquatic plant growing in the water.Purple Pickerel Rush (Pontederia cordata): Heart-shaped leaves and purple flower spikes. Grows in shallow water or wet soil. Grows 3-inches to 4-feet tall.

4 to 6-Feet Tall

  • Black Magic Elephant Ears Marginal Water Plants.Black Magic Elephant Ear (Colocasia Black Magic): Striking dark leaves. Prefers filtered light and wet soil. Grows 3-inches to 5-feet tall.
  • Dwarf Giant Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus Perkamentus): A refined cultivar of papyrus. Graceful structure. Grows 4-inces to 6-feet tall in full sun and wet soil.
  • Hardy Water Canna growing in a water garden.Hardy Water Canna (Thalia dealbata): Tall canna relative with lavender blooms. Heat-tolerant and thrives in ponds. Grows 4-inches to 6-feet tall.
  • King Tut Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus): Elegant and architectural. Needs constant moisture and full sun. Grows 4-inches to 6-feet or taller.

Over 8-Feet Tall

  • Angel's Trumpet Cypress Garden - growing in the garden.Angel's Trumpet – Cypress Gardens (Brugmansia Cypress Gardens): Tropical stunner with bold pink blooms. Prefers part shade. Matures around 6-inches to 10-feet tall.
  • Angel's Trumpet – Isignis Pink (Brugmansia Isignis Pink): Large, fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers. Prefers afternoon shade and rich soil. Reaches 6-inches to 12-feet tall.
  • Angel's Trumpet – Angela's Halo (Brugmansia Variegata Angela's Halo): Striking variegated foliage with dramatic blooms. Needs protection from harsh sun. Grows 6-inches to 10-feet tall.
  • Red Banana (Ensete maurellii): Bold red foliage, dramatic presence. Needs rich, moist soil and afternoon shade. Grows 8-inches to 12-feet tall.

For additional Marginal Plants, many of which are available throughout the year, click the button below:

Additional Marginal Plants

Oxygenators

Oxygenators are submerged plants that grow completely underwater and are crucial for maintaining the oxygen balance in the water, which helps keep the water clear and supports fish and other wildlife.

Hornwort Oxygenator Water Plant.Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum): A submerged aquatic plant does not bloom and is primarily grown for its dense, feathery, dark green foliage. In the Valley of the Sun, Hornwort can thrive year-round if placed in ponds or water gardens. It typically floats freely but can also be anchored in substrate. It can grow very quickly, easily reaching lengths of 6-10 feet under water, though it can be trimmed to maintain a desired depth or density.

Hornwort is excellent for improving water quality by competing with algae for nutrients and providing a habitat for aquatic wildlife. It's especially useful in hot climates like Phoenix, as it helps oxygenate and shade the water, which can be crucial during the intense summer heat. Regular monitoring and management might be necessary to ensure it doesn’t overtake other aquatic plants in your pond.

Water Lilies

A Wanvisa water lily in bloom.Surface plants

Water lilies are surface plants that have large leaves that float on the water's surface, providing shade and reducing algae growth by limiting sunlight penetration. They help maintain the temperature and oxygen levels of the water, making it a better environment for fish and other aquatic life. 

Hardy Water Lilies

As their names suggest, Hardy Lilies do well in cold and can withstand freeze if left in the pond. Hardy Lilies bloom during the day and have round, thick, waxy leaves that are typically solid green or sligthly mottled. They stem from horizontal rhizomes or tubers.

The following Hardy Water Lilies are available at your local SummerWinds in 4-inch and 8-inch sizes while supplies last:

  • Nymphaea Albatross - A white water lily with large, fragrant blooms and a vigorous growth habit.
  • Nymphaea Almost Black - Features deep red to nearly black flowers, providing a striking contrast in water gardens.
  • Nymphaea Attraction - Known for its large, deep red blooms with a white center, attracting attention in any pond.
  • Nymphaea Colorado - A salmon-pink water lily that stands out for its soft, pastel tones and prolific flowering.
  • Nymphaea Joey Tomocik - Showcases vibrant yellow blooms, known for its exceptional blooming ability and hardiness.
  • Nymphaea Madame Wilfron Gonnere - Offers lush, double pink flowers that resemble peonies, noted for their fullness and beauty.
  • Nymphaea Wanvisa - A unique and award-winning variety with cream and pink flecked petals, displaying occasional streaks of deep pink.

Accessories

  • Fertilizer: To help keep your aquatic plants healthy, we carry Pondtabbs Aquatic Fertilizer
  • Water Plant Bowls: We have water plant bowls in assorted colors so you can grow your very own water garden!

To learn more about creating your own water feature and the plants you need to success, speak with one of our Trusted Garden Advisors.

At SummerWinds Nursery, We Guarantee Success!

3 Water Lily Varieties: Nymphaea Madame Wilfron Gonnere. Nymphaea Joey Tomocik, and Nymphaea hybride Almost Black.