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.
![]() |
Acorus calamus 'variegatus'Common Name: variegated sweetflag
Acorus calamus ‘variegatus’ - variegated sweetflag is hardy in zones 5-11. Variegated sweetflag has aromatic foliage and is similar to Iris in shape, but it is unpalatable to geese and deer. Variegat... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
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 varieg... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Arundo donaxCommon Name: Giant reed grass
Hardy in Zones 5-11, Arundo donax is usually sought after for its tropical looking foliage and taller stature - up to 20'. The flowers are large 2 foot panicles with silvery plumes which turn beige and can last well into ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Arundo donax 'variegata'Common Name: Variegated giant reed grass
Hardy in Zones 6-11, Arundo donax variegata is usually sought after for its white & green foliage which gives a bamboo like tropical effect. The variegated species is shorter than the pure green Arundo donax, making ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Asclepias incarnataCommon Name: Swamp milkweed
Asclepias incarnata, Swamp milkweed, is a decorative and essential perennial to any moist full sun habitat, pale pink blossoms explode with color from late June thru August. Standing 2-4’ tall Asclepias incarnat... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Bletilla striataCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Caltha polypetalaCommon Name: Giant marsh marigold
Caltha polypetala, Giant marsh marigold, is 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. Har... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Glyceria maxima aquatica 'variegated'Common Name: Variegated manna grass
Glyceria maxima aquatica ‘variegated’, Variegated manna grass is a rhizomatous perennial grass that thrives in moist areas with sun to part shade. Emerging early in the Spring with young pink foliage,... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Houttuynia cordata 'variegata'Common Name: Variegated chameleon plant
Houttuynia cordata ‘variegata’, 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 th... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Hydrocotyle umbellataCommon Name: Giant pennywort
Hydrocotyle bonariensis, 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, th... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Iris ensata 'variegata'Common Name: Variegated Japanese iris
Iris ensata ‘Variegata’, Variegated 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Iris louisiana 'Acadian Miss'Common Name: Acadian Miss Iris
Iris louisiana ‘Acadian Miss’. It is widely accepted that Iris louisana cultivars are developed from 5 main North American native species of Iris: I. brevicaulis, giganticaerulea, fulva, nels... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Iris louisiana 'Gamecock'Common Name: Gamecock Iris
Iris louisiana ‘Gamecock’. It is widely accepted that Iris louisiana cultivars are developed from five main North American native species of Iris: I. brevicaulis, giganticaerulea, fulva,... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Iris pseudacorusCommon Name: Yellow flag iris
Iris pseudacorus, Yellow flag iris. Although fairly naturalized over much of North America, Yellow flag iris is of European origin and is hardy in zones 4-9. Showy yellow colored flowers grow off a slender stalk... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Iris pseudacorus 'variegata'Common Name: Variegated yellow flag iris
Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegata’. Similar to 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 sl... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Juncus effusus 'spiralis'Common Name: Corkscrew rush
Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’, Corkscrew rush, is a true rush. Cylendrical tightly spiraled foliage uncoils as it grows out in all directions. Often used in floral arrangements, Juncus effusus 'Spira... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Juncus ensifoliusCommon Name: Flat bladed rush
Juncus ensifolius, 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 m... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Juncus glaucusCommon Name: Blue rush
Juncus glaucus, Blue rush, is perfect for winter interest as it holds it's color! Upright blue stems resembling a blue fescue from afar live right on the pond edge in full sun and moist soil. This European native is... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Juncus inflexus 'Blue Medusa'Common Name: Rush 'Blue Medusa'
Juncus inflexus ‘Blue Medusa’ Rush. 'Blue Medusa' is a true rush known for it's upright curled foliage similar to Corkscrew rush but with thicker leaves and a hazy blue-green color. 'Blue ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
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, ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Lysimachia nummulariaCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Marsilea drummondiiCommon 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 ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Marsilea muticaCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Marsilea schelpianaCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Mentha aquaticaCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Mimulus guttatusCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Myosotis palustrisCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Myriophyllum aquaticumCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Myriophyllum prosperpinacoidesCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Oenanthe javanicaCommon Name: Water celery
Oenanthe javanica, 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 t... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Oenanthe javanica 'Flamingo'Common Name: Variegated water celery
Oenanthe javanica ‘Flamingo’ ,Variegated water celery, is 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
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 ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Phalaris arundinacea 'Strawberries and Cream'Common Name: Variegated ribbon grass
Phalaris arundinacea, 'Strawberries and Cream', Variegated ribbon grass is hardy in zones 4-11. Variegated ribbon grass spreads quickly by rhizomes. The yellow and creamy variegated leaves make this a suitable ac... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
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 ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
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. ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Pontederia 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Ranunculus lingua aquaticaCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Rumex sanguineusCommon 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 ... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
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. ...[ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Sagittaria japonicaCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Saururus chinensisCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Scirpus albescensCommon Name: White Bulrush
This strikingly tall white form of Bulrush makes for an excellent focal point against a dark backdrop of evergreens. Growing 4-5' tall on a strong rhizome with the capability of forming a handsome colony. Hardy in zone 5-9, W... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Scirpus zebrinusCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Thalia dealbataCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Typha laxmanniiCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|
![]() |
Typha minimaCommon 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... [ More Info ]
|