Page 366 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

364 POND PLANT DIRECTORY

MARGINAL PLANTS

These plants are more decorative than
functional. However, when planted in
containers on the marginal shelf—the ledge
around the inside of preformed ponds, about
12 in (30 cm) below the surface—they can
provide retreats for young fish. Marginals
can also be grown as edging plants, giving
the pond a more informal look and creating
a barrier that makes it more difficult for predators
to reach the fish. Some marginals trail down into the
water, which helps to hide the perimeter from view.
All the plants featured here are suitable for temperate
climates, but some will benefit from protection in winter.
A judicious selection of marginals adds floral interest to the pond throughout much
of the year. The White Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis) is shown here.

Rheum palmatum Sagittaria sagittifolia Myosotis scorpioides
Chinese Rhubarb Arrowhead Water Forget-Me-Not

ORIGINS Asia, where its distribution is restricted to Tibet ORIGINS North America, where it is widely distributed ORIGINS Europe and Asia, but it has now become
and parts of China. throughout much of the United States. naturalized in parts of North America.
SIZE Can grow up to 8 ft (2.5 m) tall. SIZE Attains a height of 3 ft (1 m). SIZE Typically reaches 6–12 in (15–30 cm) in height.
WATER Grows best in moist soil around the perimeter of WATER Plant in damp soil around the edge of the pond, WATER Fares best in shallow water, rather than being
the pond, rather than in water. Hardy to –20°F (–29°C). or on the marginal shelf. Hardy to –10°F (–23°C). submerged. Hardy to –20°F (–29°C).
PROPAGATION Easily accomplished by division of the PROPAGATION Easily accomplished by the division of PROPAGATION Can be grown from seed or by the
rhizome, although it can also be grown from seed. established plants. division of existing plants.
This spectacular poolside plant grows well in both The Water Forget-Me-Not is
partial shade and full sun. In spite of its height, it easy to grow and can help to
does not suffer badly from wind damage, so it can create a very informal edging
be useful in exposed positions. The large leaves are around a pond, growing both around
supported on strong stems. The most commonly the margins and also in shallow water.
available cultivars have reddish flowers, while A number of different cultivars are now
the flower spikes of the wild form are white. established, of which ‘Mermaid’ is
probably the most free-flowering,
while ‘Semperflorens’ has a more
compact growth pattern. The small,
pale-blue flowers have tiny yellow
eyes at the center, although in
The green leaves of this hardy marginal are held ‘Alba’ the blue coloration is
vertically and shaped like arrowheads. White replaced by white.
flowers on spikes are produced throughout the
summer. If you wish to restrict the spread of this Oblong leaves,
fast-growing species, plant it in a container from which have a
slightly hairy
the outset. It forms small tubers that resemble appearance
potatoes, and new plants can be grown from these.

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