Page 369 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

MARGINAL PLANTS 367

Iris ensata Iris pseudacorus
Japanese Clematis-Flowered Iris Yellow Flag

ORIGINS Asia, where it can still be found growing wild in ORIGINS Extends from parts of Europe southward to
parts of Japan. North Africa, and eastward into Asia.
SIZE Reaches a height of about 3 ft (1 m). SIZE Grows up to 5 ft (1.5 m) in height.
WATER Grows better around the pond’s edges, rather WATER Plant either around the pond or in submerged
than in the water itself. Hardy to –20°F (–29°C). pots on the marginal shelf. Hardy to –20° F (–29°C).
PROPAGATION Can only be increased reliably by PROPAGATION Most quickly accomplished by dividing
dividing existing clumps. rhizomes. Can also be grown from seed.
This particular iris is one of the most
beautiful of all poolside flowers, thanks
to its large petals, with their relatively
broad, flattened shape. It is now
available in a wide range of
colors, from white to pink and
lavender, to shades of purple or
blue. Japanese Clematis-Flowered
Irises look best when planted
together in groups of the same
color. For this reason, you should avoid
buying a mixed batch of plants and opt only This hardy iris has green leaves and buttercup-
for named color varieties. These irises dislike yellow flowers with reddish markings at the top
being permanently waterlogged and certainly of the petals. It blooms fairly early in summer, and
should be removed from the pond before winter although the individual flowers last only for about
if they are set in containers. They can then be a day, a number are produced in succession up the
planted in the ground but must never be allowed flower stem. Yellow Flag grows rapidly, and in
to dry out. Choose a sheltered, sunny position ponds it is best to set the rhizomes in marginal
where they will not be affected by the wind. pots to restrict its spread and protect the liner.

Butomus umbellatus Aponogeton distachyos Typha latifolia
Flowering Rush Water Hawthorn Common Cattail

ORIGINS Naturally found in Europe, Asia, and North ORIGINS Originally from southern Africa, but now occurs ORIGINS Widely distributed throughout much of Europe
Africa, but now also occurs in parts of North America. in Europe, Australia, and South America. and North America.
SIZE Grows up to 5 ft (1.5 m). SIZE Leaves may reach 8 in (20 cm) long. SIZE Can reach 6 ft (2 m) in height.
WATER Will thrive in boggy ground, or in shallow water WATER Extremely adaptable, thriving in water up to WATER Thrives in shallow water, down to a depth of
to a depth of 5 in (12.5 cm). Hardy to –20°F (–29°C). 2 ft (60 cm) deep. Hardy to 20°F (–7°C). about 12 in (30 cm). Hardy to –40°F (–40°C).
PROPAGATION Achieved by dividing established clumps PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome. Can also be grown PROPAGATION Easily achieved by splitting clumps of
of the plant. from seeds, which it produces readily. established plants.
1
The dark green leaves of this rush are ⁄2 in (1.25 The cattail’s distinctive female flower is soft, dark
cm) wide and up to 3 ft (90 cm) long, with sharp brown, and measures up to 9 in (22.5 cm) long.
edges that apparently deter cattle from eating them The paler male flower is carried above this on the
in the wild. From midsummer onward, the plant same sturdy stem. The flowers may be cut and dried
produces spikes of reddish-white flowers, which for use as winter decorations. The cattail can be
are displayed as clusters on stems above the leaves. invasive unless its spread is curtailed by a suitable
Flowering Rush makes an attractive addition to the container. It grows rapidly and can contribute to
border of the pond. While it prefers a sunny spot, the silting up of larger ponds, since mud becomes
it tends not to thrive in very hot climates. trapped in its dense root network.

Water Hawthorn will spread across the surface
of the pond, readily producing white blooms that
have dark centers and a strong smell of vanilla.
This marginal grows best in temperate regions,
flowering first in the spring and then again in the
early fall. Water Hawthorn survives best if set
at a depth at which the tubers will not freeze .

US_366-367_Marginals_2.indd 367 14/09/18 12:07 PM