Smooth Frogbit

What is a Pre-Order?

A pre-order reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship.

• Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant.
• Plants are shipped once they’ve developed strong roots to ensure safe travel.
• Frost-Sensitive Plants are held until the last frosts have passed.

Benefits of Pre-Ordering

Pre-ordering ensures you:

• Secure popular plants before they sell out.
• Receive healthy, well-rooted plants ready to thrive in your pond straight from the grower.

When is Payment Taken?

Payment is taken at checkout to guarantee your plant is reserved. If we can’t supply your plant, we’ll contact you to offer an alternative or a full refund.

Plant Availability

We release plants in phases throughout the season:

• Phase 1 (March–April): Ships by late April at latest, plants in this phase will include Water Hawthorn, Marsh Marigold, Iris, and some waterlilies.
  
  
• Phase 2 (May): Ships by late May at latest, plants in this phase will include Loosestrife, Frogbit, Brandy Bottle, and Pygmaea Waterlilies.
  
  
• Phase 3 (June): Ships by late June at latest, plants in this phase will include Pickerel Weed and Water Lettuce.

Plants labelled 'Not Available for Pre-Order' will be released for general sale once ready.

Important Notes

• If your order contains both pre-order and ready-to-ship plants, the entire order will be held until all items are ready.
• To avoid delays, we recommend you place two separate orders, one for pre-order plants and one for ready-to-ship plants.
• Estimated availability dates are listed on product pages but may vary due to weather conditions.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about your pre-order or want an update, feel free to contact us.

Will My Marginal Plants Arrive Potted?

1ltr, 3ltr and 5ltr marginal plants will arrive pre-planted in Finofil aquatic baskets, using aquatic compost and fertiliser - ready to go straight into your pond!

9cm Plants: These plants come in solid pots and need to be repotted into aquatic baskets before placing in your pond. You can find Aquatic Baskets and Aquatic Soil in our Essentials Section.

What Are the Pot Dimensions?

Here’s a quick reference for Finofil pot sizes to check if they’ll fit your pond shelves:

• 9cm Plants: Require repotting - use 1ltr square pots or larger.
• 1L Plants: Square basket (11cm x 11cm x 11cm high)
• 3L Plants: Hexagonal basket (18cm x 18cm x 16cm high)
• 5L Plants: Hexagonal basket (18cm x 18cm x 16cm high)

For more advice, check out our Planting Guide.

How Deep Should I Place My Marginals?

The planting depth depends on the variety. Check the product page or the care label included with your plant for specific guidance.

Depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water’s surface.

Most marginals are fine placed 1cm to 2cm under the waterline, just enough to hide the aquatic basket.

How Many Marginals Do I Need?

Measure the length of your marginal shelves and then allow:

• 1ltr Plants: 5 per linear metre
• 3ltr Plants: 3 per linear metre

Tip: Leave space between plant varieties to prevent dominant species from taking over. For more details, see our Planting Guide.

Do I Need to Line My Basket with Hessian?

No, Finofil aquatic baskets are designed with a fine mesh that prevents soil loss. Adding a liner is optional but not necessary.

What Are Finofil Baskets Made From?

Finofil aquatic baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic and manufactured in the UK. They can be recycled at local recycling centres or through kerbside collections that accept black plastic. Plant labels are also recyclable.

Will Carp or Ducks Eat My Plants?

Carp (inc. Koi): These fish find pond plants irresistible! If you have carp, we recommend protecting your plants with barriers.

Goldfish: Goldfish may nibble on oxygenators and softer plants but generally cause less damage. They also eat insects, larvae, and tadpoles.

Wildfowl: Ducks and other birds may eat plants or damage roots while nesting. Mature plants with strong root systems are more resilient, but consider protecting roots/rhizomes for added security.