Marginal Pond Plants

Why Are Marginal Pond Plants Important?

Marginal pond plants are important because they provide structure, colour and vital habitat around the edges of a pond. Planted in shallow water on pond shelves or wildlife margins, they help soften hard pond edges and blend the pond naturally into the surrounding garden.

These plants grow in shallow water, typically between 5–30cm deep, making them ideal for pond edges, shelves and wildlife ponds. Their upright foliage and flowers add height and seasonal interest, while also providing shade, shelter and resting places for frogs, insects and birds.

For extra seasonal colour, many gardeners combine marginals with plants from our Flowering Marginal Pond Plants collection.

Many marginal pond plants are excellent for pollinators, producing nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects. Popular choices include Irises, Marsh Marigold, Water Forget-Me-Not and other UK-native marginal pond plants that thrive in wet conditions and return year after year.

Our 1-litre and 3-litre marginal pond plants are supplied pre-potted in Finofil Aquatic Baskets for easy planting. 9cm plants are supplied in solid pots and will need repotting with aquatic soil before placing into your pond.

For step-by-step help, read our Guide on planting your pond to ensure your marginal pond plants establish quickly and grow strongly.