Deep Water Plants

Willow Grass, Amphibious Bistort
Persicaria amphibia

This amphibious (living or able to live both on land and in water) perennial has long-stalked floating leaves 8-10cm long and 2-4cm wide. They are carried on stems that are 30cm-90cm (1-3ft) long and which root from the stems. The pink flowers are densly packed in spikes that grow above the water in midsummer. It is an attractive plant that is useful for the shallow margins of informal ponds.

Spread indefinite
Water depth to 45cm
Hardy
Full sun
Propogation seed or division in spring

Water Hawthorn, Cape Pondweed

Aponogeton distachyos

A perennial with oblong bright green leaves that are up to 20cm (8") long by 8cm (3") wide, these can be almost evergreen in mild winters. The flowers are strongly scented and are white with purple tinged antlers, 10cm long and produced in two flushes in spring and autumn. They are held above the surface of the water on fleshy stems. It is a tolerant plant and it extends the flowering season on the pond, providing extra interest to the usual circular lily pads.

Spread 1.2 m (4ft)
Water depth 60cm (2ft)
Frost hardy
Sun or shade
Propogation seed or division in spring

Frogbit
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae

This perennial has rosettes of kidney shaped, shiny green leaves that are 2.5cm (1") across, new plants are formed on runners. The papery white flowers are 2cm across and have three petals and a yellow centre. The plants provide a home and welcome shade for pond wildlife such as water fleas and fish fry in the shallow, warm areas of the pond. The roots form in the mud on the pond bottom. They are vulnerable to snail damage.

Spread indefinite
Water depth to 30cm (12")
Hardy
Full sun
Propogation remove plantlets

Golden Club
Orontium aquaticum

This deciduous perennial has bluish-green leaves that have a silvery sheen on the underside, these float when the plant is in deep water. The flowers are poker like and have yellow flower heads on white stalks that stand well above the water.

Height 30-45cm (12-18")
Spread 60cm (2ft)
Water depth 30cm (1ft)
Hardy
Full sun
Propogation seed or division in spring

Japanese Pond Lily
Nuphar japonica

A perennial that has two distinct leaf shapes. Narrow oval leaves 40cm (16") long and 12cm (5") wide that lie on the suface and submerged, heart shaped, wavy leaves 30cm (12") long and 12cm (5") wide. The flowers are round 5cm (2") across, yellow and held just above the surface in summer.
It is more tolerant of deeper water and shade than most other water lilies, however it does need more sun for the best flower production, as opposed to it's more vigorous relatives Nuphar advena (American Spatterdock) and N. lutea (Common Pond Lily)

Spread 90cm (3ft)
Water depth 30cm (1ft)
Hardy
Full sun
Propogation division in spring