Ornamental Aquatics

Ornamental Aquatics include native and non-native hardy perennials as well as selected tropical aquatics intended for use in water gardens and water features. Many non-native and tropical aquatics are aggressive in their growth habit and are NOT recommended for use in earth bottom ponds or natural areas.

Select Plant Type:
Botanical Name     Common Name
A B C D E F-G H I J-L M-O P Q R S T U-Z ALL
Acorus calamus 'variegatus'

Acorus calamus 'variegatus'

Common Name: Variegated Sweetflag

Hardy in zones 5-11 Sweetflag has aromatic foliage, similar to Iris in shape, yet unpalatable to geese and deer. It can spread moderately from a thick rhizome forming a dense mat along the pond shore, but may be kept neat and looki...


Acorus gramineus 'variegatus'

Acorus gramineus 'variegatus'

Common Name: Dwarf Variegated Sweetflag

Similar in appearance to Acorus calamus variegatus but smaller in size and spreading less vigorously, Dwarf Variegated Sweetflag is a perfect choice when shorter vertical accents are needed along the pond edge. This clumping ornamental has variega...


Arundo donax

Arundo donax

Common Name: Giant Reed Grass

Hardy in Zones 5-11, Arundo donax is usually sought after for its tropical looking foliage and taller stature. The flowers are large 2 foot panicles with silvery plumes which turn beige and can last well into the winter. Originally...


Arundo donax 'variegata'

Arundo donax 'variegata'

Common Name: Variegated Giant Reed Grass

Hardy in Zones 6-11, Arundo donax variegata is usually sought after for its tropical looking white & green foliage which almost gives a bamboo like effect. The variegated species is shorter than the pure green Arundo donax, mak...


Bletilla striata

Bletilla striata

Common Name: Hardy Japanese Orchid

A beautiful addition to the margins of a water garden or bog with its exotic pinkish purple (sometimes white) flower that once in bloom will last for almost a month. Blooming at just about a foot tall, from May to June and hardy in...


Caltha polypetala

Caltha polypetala

Common Name: Giant Marsh Marigold

One of the earlier blooms to appear in the spring, Giant Marsh Marigold comes alive with happy yellow flowers atop a glossy dark green foliage letting everybody know Spring is upon us. Hardy in zones 4-7 and not reaching much talle...


Glyceria maxima aquatica 'variegated'

Glyceria maxima aquatica 'variegated'

Common Name: Variegated Manna Grass

This rhizomatous perennial grass thrives in moist areas with sun to part shade. Emerging early in the Spring with young pink foliage, Variegated Manna Grass reaches about a foot tall through the season and has leaves striped in a c...


Houttuynia cordata 'variegata'

Houttuynia cordata 'variegata'

Common Name: Variegated Chameleon Plant

Variegated Chameleon Plant has fragrant heart shaped leaves splattered with white, green, and orange during the growing season which transforms to a striking purple-maroon on the Fall. Although only less than a foot in height, it w...


Hydrocotyle bonariensis

Hydrocotyle bonariensis

Common Name: Giant Pennywort

This quick colonizer produces a nice thick mass of scalloped 3-inch leaves growing from stolins in full sun to part shade. Grown for its green foliage from Spring to Fall, the Giant Pennywort has relatively attractive powder puff w...


Iris ensata 'variegata'

Iris ensata 'variegata'

Common Name: Variegated Japanese Iris

Japanese Iris have been treasured in Japan for centuries. Variegated Japanese Iris forms narrow sword-like green and white foliage reaching 2-3' tall growing from thick slow creeping rhizomes. The elegant flowers 3-4" across are pu...


Iris louisiana 'Acadian Miss'

Iris louisiana 'Acadian Miss'

Common Name: Acadian Miss Iris

It is widely accepted that Iris louisana cultivars are developed from 5 main North American native species of Iris: I. brevicaulis, giganticaerulea, fulva, nelsonii, and hexagona. Acadian Miss forms sword-like foliage 3-4' tall gro...


Iris louisiana 'Gamecock'

Iris louisiana 'Gamecock'

Common Name: Gamecock Iris

It is widely accepted that Iris louisana cultivars are developed from 5 main North American native species of Iris: I. brevicaulis, giganticaerulea, fulva, nelsonii, and hexagona. Gamecock forms sword-like foliage 2-3  tall gr...


Iris pseudacorus 'variegata'

Iris pseudacorus 'variegata'

Common Name: Variegated Yellow Flag Iris

Similar to the Yellow Flag Iris except with yellow striped foliage in the Spring turning green as the heat of the summer moves in. Showy yellow colored flowers grow off a slender stalk just slightly taller than the sword-like folia...


Iris pseudacorus

Iris pseudacorus

Common Name: Yellow Flag Iris

Although fairly naturalized over much of North America, the Yellow Flag Iris is from European origin and is hardy in zones 4-9. Showy yellow colored flowers grow off a slender stalk just slightly taller than the sword-like foliage....


Juncus effusus 'spiralis'

Juncus effusus 'spiralis'

Common Name: Corkscrew Rush

Hardy in zones 3-11, Corkscrew Rush is known for its curled foliage similar to a loosely wound packet of Ramen style noodles. Growing in green clumps about 1' tall in full sun to part shade and shallow water, this unique plant is p...


Juncus ensifolius

Juncus ensifolius

Common Name: Flat Bladed Rush

Flat Bladed Rush has rather plain unassuming spikes of foliage until it flowers with a silky white cloud of wispy pink & white dancing above the top of the green foliage making it stand apart from most Rush "flowers". This Sout...


Juncus glaucus

Juncus glaucus

Common Name: Blue Rush

Perfect for winter interest, the Blue Rush has upright blue stems that sort of resemble a blue fescue from afar but lives right on the pond edge in full sun and moist soil. This European native hardy in zones 4-11 holds color throu...


Juncus inflexus 'Blue Medusa'

Juncus inflexus 'Blue Medusa'

Common Name: Rush 'Blue Medusa'

Hardy in zones 5-11, 'Blue Medusa' is known for its curled foliage similar to a loosely wound packet of Ramen style noodles. Similar to Corkscrew Rush but with thicker leaves and a hazy blue-green color. Growing in blue green clump...


Juncus inflexus 'Love Sick Blues'

Juncus inflexus 'Love Sick Blues'

Common Name: Rush 'Love Sick Blues'

Hardy in zones 5-11, 'Love Sick Blues' is known for its striking steel blue foliage that is triangular shaped when viewing a cross section. Growing in blue-green slightly arching clumps about 1-2' tall in full sun to part shade and shallow water, ...


Lysimachia nummularia 'aurea'

Lysimachia nummularia 'aurea'

Common Name: Gold Creeping Jenny

A good ground cover for the edges of water gardens & growing down along waterfalls, Gold Creeping Jenny grows no more than a couple inches high in moist soils and water no deeper than 1". The flowers are not as profuse as the s...


Lysimachia nummularia

Lysimachia nummularia

Common Name: Creeping Jenny

A good ground cover for the edges of water gardens & growing down along waterfalls, Creeping Jenny grows no more than a couple inches high in moist soils and water no deeper than 1". The flowers are a golden yellow and appear i...


Marsilea drummondii

Marsilea drummondii

Common Name: Fuzzy Clover

Despite its common name and appearance of a 4 leaf clover or shamrock, the Marsileas are actually a fern that reproduces from spores. The Fuzzy Clover is easy to grow and its attractive green leaves close up at night which sort of ...


Marsilea mutica

Marsilea mutica

Common Name: Four Leaf Clover

Despite its common name and appearance of a 4 leaf clover or shamrock, the Marsileas are actually a fern that reproduces from spores. The Four Leaf Clover is easy to grow and its attractive green leaves close up at night which sort...


Marsilea schelpiana

Marsilea schelpiana

Common Name: Cutleaf Clover

Despite its common name and appearance of a 4 leaf clover or shamrock, the Marsileas are actually a fern that reproduces from spores. The Cutleaf Clover is easy to grow and its attractive green leaves close up at night which sort o...


Mentha aquatica

Mentha aquatica

Common Name: Water Mint

The aromatic leaves of the Water Mint are what attracts many water gardeners to this plant. Growing just under 1' tall in moist soils & water under 2" deep, Water mint prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade and will flow...


Mimulus guttatus

Mimulus guttatus

Common Name: Yellow Monkey Flower

Hardy in zones 6-9, Yellow Monkey Flower produces deep yellow colored snap-dragon-like flowers. It's named for the flower's resemblance to a monkey's face. The flowers are about an inch or so across and produced in mass, making this a favorite flo...


Myosotis palustris

Myosotis palustris

Common Name: Water Forget-Me-Not

The Water Forget-Me-Not reaches just under 1' in height and grows around the edges of ponds or along streams in full sun to part shade. Blooming in the early summer with sprays of tiny delicate bluish flowers reminiscent of the dryland species. Ge...


Myriophyllum aquaticum

Myriophyllum aquaticum

Common Name: Parrot Feather

Hardy in zones 6-11, Parrot Feather's soft feathery foliage grows on prostrate long stems from the pond edge and floats out over the water surface. Care should be given when planting because it is invasive, especially in warmer sta...


Myriophyllum prosperpinacoides

Myriophyllum prosperpinacoides

Common Name: Dwarf Parrot Feather

Hardy in zones 6-11, Dwarf Parrot Feather's soft feathery foliage grows on prostrate long stems from the pond edge and floats out over the water surface. Dwarf Parrot Feather differs from standard Parrot Feather due to its red stem...


Oenanthe javanica 'Flamingo'

Oenanthe javanica 'Flamingo'

Common Name: Variegated Water Celery

Hardy in zones 5-11, Variegated Water Celery grows 6-12" tall along the edge of the pond from running stems in sun to part shade, but not quite as rampant as the straight Water Celery. Water Celery gets its name from foliage that r...


Oenanthe javanica

Oenanthe javanica

Common Name: Water Celery

Hardy in zones 5-11, Water Celery grows 6-12" tall along the edge of the pond from quick running stolins in sun to part shade. Water Celery gets its name from foliage that resembles the finely textured leaves of celery. The aromati...


Orontium aquaticum 'Big Red'

Orontium aquaticum 'Big Red'

Common Name: Golden Club Big Red

Big Red™ is a selection of the native wildflower, commonly known as "Golden Club". This striking aquatic plant was selected for its red flower stems which contrast the bright yellow flower clusters (spadix) at the tips. The tropical-looking ...


Phalaris arundinacea 'Strawberries and Cream'

Phalaris arundinacea 'Strawberries and Cream'

Common Name: Variegated Ribbon Grass

Hardy in zones 4-11, Variegated Ribbon Grass rapidly grows 2-3' tall with strong rhizomes in moist soils with sun to part shade. The yellow and creamy variegated leaves make this a suitable accent plant in a container or water gard...


Phragmites australis 'variegata'

Phragmites australis 'variegata'

Common Name: Variegated Common Reed

Hardy in zones 4-11, Variegated Common Reed rapidly grows 3-6' tall with strong rhizomes in moist soils tolerating sun to full shade. The bright green & dark green stripes on variegated leaves make this a suitable accent plant ...


Plantago major 'Rubrifolia'

Plantago major 'Rubrifolia'

Common Name: Red Plantain

Hardy in zones 3-9, Red Plaintain is desired for its clumps of purple leaves during the summer which turn a deep maroon in the Fall. The insignificant looking spikes of green flowers should be cut off to prevent self seeding. ...


Pontedaria cordata 'Alba'

Pontedaria cordata 'Alba'

Common Name: White Pickerelweed

Pickerelweed is a common sight in quiet fresh water areas. The native forms are usually shades of blue-purple, but this beauty is a clear shade of white. Hardy in zones 5-11, White Pickerelweed flowers from summer to fall, with the...


Ranunculus lingua aquatica

Ranunculus lingua aquatica

Common Name: Spearwort

Early to emerge in April & hardy in zones 5-9, Spearwort is thinly branched growing 2-3' tall in sun to part shade on quickly spreading soft rhizomes. The yellow butter-cup style flowers are half to 3 quarter inch across and persist for most o...


Rumex sanguineus

Rumex sanguineus

Common Name: Tri Color Dock

Hardy in zones 6-8, Tri Color Dock grows 1-2' tall in moist soils with full sun to part shade. With its bold leaves distinctively marked with deep red or purple veins, it is grown mostly as a foliage plant. It produces erect stems ...


Sagittaria australis 'Benni'

Sagittaria australis 'Benni'

Common Name: Silk Stockings

Silk Stockings™ is a selection of a native Arrowhead (Sagittaria). There are many types of Arrowhead, but none like this! It was Developed by Aquascapes Unlimited, Inc. and chosen for its fine, green veins over bronzy-red fol...


Sagittaria graminea 'Crushed Ice'

Sagittaria graminea 'Crushed Ice'

Common Name: Crushed Ice

The foliage of Crushed Ice has an intriguing dramatic effect of green and yellow stippled leaves. The arrow-shaped long thin foliage grows to 2' tall above the water line in partial sun to partial shade with small white flowers in mid summer.

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Sagittaria japonica

Sagittaria japonica

Common Name: Double Arrowhead

Hardy in zones 6-8, Double Arrowhead grows 1-2' tall in full sun to part shade. It is grown mostly as a foliage plant because of its bold arrow shaped leaves which are a adorned with double white flowers. Forming starchy "Duck Pota...


Saururus chinensis

Saururus chinensis

Common Name: Chinese Lizard's Tail

The distinctive glossy heart-shaped leaves grow above the water 2-4' tall depending on light conditions. Held above splotchy variegated white & green upper leaves, the curved raceme of the flower is lined with many small fragra...


Scirpus zebrinus

Scirpus zebrinus

Common Name: Zebra Rush

A strikingly tall horizontally white & green banded form of bulrush makes for a lovely accent against a dark backdrop of evergreens. Hardy in zone 5-9, Zebra Rush is suitable for larger water or as an accent on its own in a con...


Thalia dealbata

Thalia dealbata

Common Name: Hardy Canna

The strikingly bold tropical like foliage of Hardy Canna adds a lush appeal to large water gardens. Growing 4-6' tall and flowering at 6-8" tall with powdery purple flowers waving high above the foliage. Hardy to zone 5, Hardy Cann...


Typha laxmannii

Typha laxmannii

Common Name: Graceful Cattail

True to its name, Graceful Cattail has narrow foliage measuring from a quarter to half inch across and grows 4-6' tall forming dense colonies on a strong rhizome. Its catkin is noticeably narrower than its native counterpart and ma...


Typha minima

Typha minima

Common Name: Miniature Cattail

The smallest cutest member of the cattail family has erect grass like foliage that grows up to 2' tall. Its cute "Pig-in-a-blanket" sized catkin is great as a cut flower. This plant is perfect for a small patio container garden whe...