Plants For Fountains

Creating a beautiful water feature is about more than just the pump and the basin. The right greenery brings it to life, softening edges and attracting wildlife. If you’re looking for the best plants for fountains, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you choose species that thrive in and around moving water.

We’ll cover everything from submerged oxygenators to marginal plants that love wet feet. You’ll learn how to combine them for a natural look and how to keep them healthy with minimal fuss. Let’s get started with understanding the different planting zones around your fountain.

This category includes all plants that succeed in the unique microclimate of a fountain. They handle splashing, higher humidity, and constant moisture better than typical garden plants. Choosing the right ones prevents rot and ensures your feature stays stunning.

Understanding Water Feature Planting Zones

Not every plant goes in the same spot. Think of your fountain in layers, from underwater to the dry land surrounding it.

Submerged (Oxygenators): These live fully underwater. They help keep water clear by competing with algae for nutrients.
Floating: Plants that rest on the water’s surface, their roots dangling below. They provide shade and shelter for fish.
Marginal/Bog: The real stars for fountains. These plants grow in shallow water or consistently soggy soil at the fountain’s edge.
Surrounding Moisture-Lovers: Plants for the damp soil immediately around the fountain’s base, where they benefit from spray and runoff.

Top Marginal Plants for Fountain Edges

Marginal plants are perfect for the shallow shelves or pots placed around a fountain’s rim. They create a seamless transition from water to garden.

Dwarf Papyrus (Cyperus isocladus): Adds a tropical, grassy texture without the massive size of its larger relatives.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’): Its bright chartreuse leaves cascade beautifully over stone edges, loving the constant moisture.
Water Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides): Produces charming clusters of tiny blue flowers all summer long.
Corkscrew Rush (Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’): Offers fascinating twisted, green stems that provide excellent vertical interest.
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris): One of the first to bloom in spring with cheerful, bright yellow flowers.

Floating Plants for Surface Interest

Floating plants drift on the surface, their roots providing filtration. They are excellent for larger, still fountain basins.

Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes): Forms rosettes of velvety, pale green leaves. It’s a tropical plant, so it needs to be brought indoors in winter in cold climates.
Fairy Moss (Azolla filiculoides): A tiny, fast-growing fern that turns reddish in bright sun, creating a colorful carpet.
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes): Known for its glossy leaves and lovely lavender flowers. Be cautious, as it’s invasive in many warm regions and should never be released into natural waterways.

Submerged Plants for Water Clarity

These underwater workhorses are essential if your fountain has a reservoir or still pool area. They absorb excess nutrients that would otherwise feed algae.

Anacharis (Elodea densa): A fast-growing stem plant that’s very effective at oxygenating water and providing fish habitat.
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum): A free-floating submerged plant with bushy, forked leaves. It’s very adaptable and low-maintenance.
Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata): A grass-like plant that can be planted in substrate or left to float. It sends out runners to form a carpet.

Moisture-Loving Plants for the Fountain Surround

The area immediately around your fountain stays damper due to splash and overflow. These plants will thrive in those conditions.

Astilbe: Provides feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, or white and fern-like foliage.
Ligularia: Boasts large, often dramatic leaves and spikes of yellow or orange flowers. It loves cool, wet soil.
Ferns: Many ferns, like Ostrich Fern or Japanese Painted Fern, adore consistent moisture and shady spots.
Primrose (Primula): Many varieties, like candelabra primroses, are ideal for damp, partially shaded fountain sides.

How to Plant in and Around Your Fountain

Proper planting ensures your plants establish well and don’t muddy the water. Here’s a simple step-by-step method.

Choose the Right Container: For marginal plants inside the fountain, use aquatic planting baskets. These mesh pots contain roots and soil while allowing water exchange.
Use Aquatic Soil: Never use standard potting mix, which will cloud the water and float away. Use a heavy, clay-based aquatic soil.
Top with Gravel: After planting, cover the soil surface in the basket with a layer of coarse aquatic gravel. This keeps the soil in place and prevents fish from disturbing it.
Position Carefully: Place marginal plants at the correct depth. Some like just an inch of water over their crown, others prefer several inches. Check the plant’s needs.
For Surrounding Areas: Amend the soil with compost to retain moisture and ensure good drainage to prevent outright sogginess.

Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Display

A little regular care keeps your fountain garden looking its best and prevents problems before they start.

Regular Pruning and Deadheading: Remove yellowing leaves and spent flowers to keep plants tidy and encourage new growth. This also prevents organic matter from decomposing in the water.
Fertilizing: Use aquatic plant fertilizer tabs pushed into the soil of potted marginals. Avoid liquid fertilizers that can pollute the water.
Seasonal Care: In fall, remove any dying foliage that could fall into the fountain. In cold climates, tender plants like water lettuce must be overwintered indoors.
Algae Control: The best defense is a balance of plants providing shade and consuming nutrients. Ensure your pump is working for good water circulation.

Design Ideas for Stunning Combinations

Think about textures, heights, and colors to create a cohesive look that complements your fountain’s style.

For a Formal Fountain

Symmetry and structure work best. Use clipped boxwood or dwarf mondo grass in identical pots on either side. Add a single, elegant plant like a standard bay tree in a container behind the fountain for height.

For a Naturalistic or Wildlife Fountain

Go for a looser, layered look. Combine creeping jenny spilling over the edge with upright corkscrew rush and the round leaves of marsh marigold. Include native plants to attract local birds and insects.

For a Contemporary Fountain

Emphasis on architectural forms. Use masses of a single plant, like a row of black taro (Colocasia) with its striking dark leaves, or sleek horsetail (Equisetum) planted in a linear trough.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Steer clear of these pitfalls to save yourself time and money.

Using Invasive Species: Always check your local invasive species list. Plants like yellow flag iris or certain reeds can escape and damage local ecosystems.
Overcrowding: Plants grow quickly in fertile aquatic conditions. Give them space to mature without competing to fiercely.
Ignoring Light Needs: Just because a plant likes water doesn’t mean it likes full sun. Match the plant to the light conditions your fountain receives.
Forgetting About Pump Intakes: Keep floating and submerged plants away from the pump intake to avoid clogging and damage.

FAQ Section

What are good plants for small fountains?
For small fountains, focus on scale. Dwarf papyrus, miniature water lily varieties, dwarf horsetail, and baby’s tears are excellent choices that won’t overwhelm the feature.

Can I put regular plants in my fountain?
Generally, no. Most regular potted plants will rot if their roots are constantly submerged. They are not adapted for aquatic life. Always choose plants specified for water gardens or bog conditions.

How do I keep my fountain water clean with plants?
Plants are the best natural filter. Use a combination of submerged plants (to absorb nutrients) and floating plants (to shade the water). Ensure good water movement with a pump and remove debris regularly.

What are the best low-maintenance plants for water features?
Corkscrew rush, creeping jenny, water forget-me-not, and anacharis are all relatively easy-going once established. They require minimal care beyond occasional thinning.

Do fountain plants attract mosquitoes?
Moving water itself is not a good breeding ground for mosquitoes, as they prefer still water. The presence of fish and water movement from the pump will deter them. Floating plants in still areas can provide habitat, so maintain good circulation.

Selecting the right plants for fountains is a rewarding process that completes your water feature. By understanding the different zones—from underwater to the damp margins—you can create a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Remember to use aquatic soil, choose non-invasive species suited to your climate and light, and perform simple seasonal maintenance. With these tips, your fountain will become a lush, vibrant focal point in your garden for years to come. The sound of water combined with the beauty of aquatic greenery is a classic combination that never fails to impress.