Adding a fountain to your garden is a wonderful way to bring in the sound of moving water and a sense of calm. Choosing the right plants for fountains can make the difference between a good water feature and a truly magical one. You want greenery that thrives in moisture, looks beautiful, and helps keep the water clean. This guide will help you pick the perfect water-friendly companions for your fountain.
The best plants for a fountain setting are those that enjoy wet feet, don’t mind a little splash, and contribute to a peaceful atmosphere. They can be placed in the water itself, around the basin, or in the damp soil nearby. Let’s look at how to build a serene fountain garden that feels balanced and natural.
Plants For Fountains
Not all plants are suited for life near a fountain. The key is to select species that are adapted to moist or aquatic environments. These plants will look lush and healthy, and they often help filter the water and provide habitat for beneficial insects.
Why Water-Friendly Plants Matter
Using the correct plants is about more than just looks. The right choices create a mini-ecosystem. They help keep algae growth in check by using up nutrients in the water. Their roots can provide hiding spots for frogs or other small creatures. And they prevent soil erosion around the fountain’s edges, which keeps the water clearer. Plants that struggle with moisture will just look sickly and create a maintenance headache.
Top Plant Categories for Fountain Gardens
You can think of fountain plants in three main groups: submerged, marginal, and moisture-loving perennials. Using a mix creates depth and interest.
* Submerged (Oxygenators): These live mostly under water. They are vital for water health.
* Marginal (Bog Plants): These grow in shallow water at the fountain’s edge. They are the classic “water garden” plants.
* Moisture-Loving Perennials: These planted in the damp soil surrounding the fountain. They bridge the gap between water and garden.
Best Submerged Plants for Water Health
These plants are the unsung heros. You plant them in pots at the bottom of your fountain basin. They release oxygen into the water and absorb excess nutrients, which starves algae.
* Anacharis (Elodea): A fast-growing oxygenator that’s excellent for clear water.
* Hornwort: A sturdy, free-floating plant that helps shade the water.
* Water Lettuce: This floating plant has pretty rosettes that shade the surface and its roots filter water. (Note: It’s invasive in some warm areas; check local regulations).
Excellent Marginal Plants for the Fountain’s Edge
Marginal plants are perfect for planting in pots placed on ledges or in very shallow water. They give your fountain structure and beautiful blooms.
* Dwarf Papyrus: Adds a tropical, architectural feel with its miniature umbrella-like heads.
* Sweet Flag (Acorus): Especially the variegated varieties, which add bright stripes of green and gold.
* Water Iris: Offers stunning flowers in blues, yellows, and whites in late spring.
* Pickerel Weed: Produces lovely spikes of blue or pink flowers all summer long.
Moisture-Loving Perennials for the Surrounding Area
The soil around a fountain is often damper due to splash and runoff. These perennials will thrive in those conditions and soften the fountain’s hard edges.
* Astilbe: Provides feathery plumes of flowers in pink, red, or white and fern-like foliage.
* Ligularia: Has large, bold leaves and tall spikes of yellow or orange flowers.
* Japanese Primrose (Primula japonica): Loves damp soil and offers tiers of colorful flowers in early summer.
* Ferns: Almost all ferns, like Ostrich or Lady Fern, adore moisture and add wonderful texture.
How to Plant and Arrange Your Fountain Plants
Getting the planting right ensures your plants survive and your fountain functions properly. You don’t usually plant directly into the fountain basin unless it’s a dedicated pond. Instead, use containers.
1. Choose the Right Containers. Use aquatic planting baskets or pots without drainage holes. This keeps the soil from clouding your fountain water.
2. Use the Correct Soil. Never use standard potting mix, which will float and foul the water. Use a heavy clay loam or a special aquatic planting medium.
3. Plant Your Choices. Place the plant in the pot, fill with soil, and top with a layer of pea gravel to keep the soil in place.
4. Position in the Fountain. For marginals, place the pot so the crown of the plant is just at or slightly below the water surface. Submerged plants can go in deeper water.
5. Arrange the Surroundings. Plant your moisture-loving perennials in the ground around the fountain, grouping them in odd numbers for a natural look.
Caring for Your Fountain Garden
A little regular care keeps everything running smoothly and looking its best. Your main tasks will involve checking the water and managing plant growth.
* Water Quality: Top off the fountain regularly with fresh water to replace what evaporates. If you use tap water, let it sit for a day before adding to allow chlorine to dissipate, this is better for the plants.
* Plant Pruning: Trim back any plants that become to overgrown. Remove yellowing leaves or spent flowers so they don’t decay in the water.
* Seasonal Care: In cold climates, you’ll need to winterize. Remove tender plants to a indoor container. Turn off and drain the fountain to prevent freeze damage. Hardy plants can often be moved to the deepest part of the basin or sunk into a garden bed for winter protection.
* Algae Control: If algae appears, the best remedy is often more plants! You can also manually remove it, use a barley straw extract, or ensure the fountain isn’t in full sun all day.
Design Tips for a Serene Fountain Setting
The goal is to create a space that feels restful and integrated. Think about colors, textures, and sounds beyond just the splash of water.
* Stick to a Calm Color Palette. Greens, whites, blues, and soft purples are inherently calming. Avoid overly bright, hot colors right next to the water.
* Play with Leaf Textures. Combine the fine fronds of ferns with the broad leaves of Ligularia and the vertical spikes of iris. Texture adds so much interest even without flowers.
* Add Smooth Stones. Place a few large, smooth river rocks around the base or even in shallow water. They look natural and reinforce the feeling of a peaceful stream.
* Incorporate Sound. Choose plants that rustle gently in the breeze, like ornamental grasses planted nearby, to complement the water’s sound.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors when starting a fountain garden. Here’s what to watch out for.
* Using invasive plants that can escape and harm local waterways.
* Planting too aggressively, which can clog the fountain pump with roots.
* Forgetting to consider the fountain’s mature size when placing plants around it.
* Using fertilizers made for land plants, which can pollute the water and cause algae blooms.
FAQ About Fountain Plants
Can I put any plant in my fountain?
No, only plants that are aquatic or bog-loving should go in the water. Regular garden plants will rot.
What are some good low-maintenance plants for fountains?
Dwarf Papyrus, Sweet Flag, and most ferns are quite tough and require minimal care once established.
How do I stop my fountain plants from taking over?
Plant them in containers within the fountain. This confines their roots and makes management much easier. Regularly thin or divide them when they get to big.
Can I leave plants in my fountain over winter?
It depends on your climate and the plant’s hardiness. Tender plants like Water Lettuce must come indoors. Hardy marginals can often survive if placed below the freeze line.
What if my fountain doesn’t have a ledge for plants?
You can place potted moisture-loving plants directly around the fountain on the ground. You can also use floating plants like Water Hyacinth (where legal) that don’t need a ledge.
Creating a beautiful fountain garden is about harmony. By choosing the right plants for fountains, you build a living, breathing feature that enhances the water’s beauty and contributes to a healthier, more serene garden space. Take your time selecting plants that you love and that suit your conditions, and you’ll have a peaceful retreat for years to come.