Do I need deep-water plants and waterlilies?
Yes! We always combine deep-water plants with waterlilies in our planting plans because they each bring something slightly different to the pond.
Waterlilies give classic surface cover and showy summer flowers, while deep-water plants such as Water Hawthorn and Fringed Water Lily tolerate cooler temperatures and partial shade. They step in when waterlilies are slower to grow, helping maintain surface cover and interest during the cooler seasons.
Surface cover is a key part of keeping pond water clear and cool. As a guide, we aim for around two-thirds surface coverage in summer to reduce sunlight, discourage algae and stabilise water temperature. Deep-water species play a major role here, working alongside waterlilies and floating plants as their leaves spread across the water.
From a wildlife perspective, they’re extremely useful: submerged stems shelter tadpoles and larvae, while surface leaves provide resting and basking spots for dragonflies, damselflies and emerging froglets.
Water Hawthorn is one of our must-have plants for any pond, offering beautiful early-season flowers and a delicate fragrance.
