Deep Water Aquatic Plants

Deep-water aquatic plants grow on the bottom of the pond or on deeper shelves, with several inches of water covering their crown. Their foliage and flowers may either float on the surface, like those of waterlilies, or rise out of the water. Unlike marginal plants, they cannot be grown out of the water in damp areas such as flowerbeds and require at least some water over their crown at all times.

Those with upright stems provide important emergence sites for insects such as dragonflies, while those with floating leaves can offer shade and shelter for the pond. Deep-water species with floating leaves, such as Water Hawthorn or Floating Heart, can be a useful alternative where a pond is too small or not sunny enough for waterlilies. They also tend to give the pond a more informal look than waterlilies do.