Collection: Marginal Plants

Marginal plants grow around the margins of the pond where the water is shallow. They usually have their soil and their crown (their growing point) under water, and sometimes their lower foliage as well. They are generally placed on shallow planting shelves within the pond. True marginal plants can grow in soil that is fully waterlogged and can tolerate water over their crown all year round. A plant which will tolerate permanently wet soil but will not tolerate permanently flooded soil is considered a marsh plant.

Planting depths mentioned on these pages refer to the depth of water over the crown (growing point) of the plant. This is about the same as the depth of water over the soil level. So a plant with a recommended planting depth of 0 - 4 inches, should be grown anywhere from waterlogged soil (0 inches) up to 4 inches of water over its crown.

You can also grow most marginal plants in drier conditions than this, such as a flowerbed, as long as the soil never completely dries out. However, you should never grow them in deeper water than the recommended maximum.

Most marginal plants prefer a position that is sunny to partial shade. See our FAQs for more information about growing in shade.