Marginal Plants

Myrtle Flag, Sweet Flag
Acorus calamus 'Variegatus'

This is a decidious, perennial marginal and has a spreading habit. It has distinct erect leaves that are iris-like and dark green, they have a cream-striped variation and areas of wrinkling along the edges. The flower is unusual and resembles a small horn, it emerges laterally just below a leaf tip.
The plant looks especially striking along the edges of a wildlife or informal pond.
Height 75cm (30")


Spread 60cm (2ft)
Water depth to 23cm (9")
Hardy
Full sun
Propagation by division of rhizomes

Water Plantain
Alisma plantago-aquatica

A deciduous, perennial marginal that has rosettes of semi-upright, oval leaves with long leaf stalks that emerge above the water. The flower spike that appears in summer is made up of numerous small, pinkish-white flowers.
The seeds that tend to set easily in the surrounding wet soil are a good source of food for birds.
Height 75cm (30")

Spread 45cm (18")
Water depth to 25cm (10")
Hardy
Full sun
Propagation by seed or division

Flowering Rush, Water Gladiolus
Butomus umbellatus

Plant this tall marginal in a container and it can be successfully grown in a small pool. It is particularly suitable for wildlife ponds. It is a very elegant plant that will thrive in shallow water. The leaves are long, dark green and triangular and 1cm (0.5") wide. The flowerheads are made up of numerous individual reddish-white flowers and are held 45-60cm (18-24") above the leaves.


Height 0.6-1.2 m (2-4ft)
Spread 45cm (18")
Water depth 8-13cm (3-5")
Hardy
Full sun
Propagation by seed or division

Bog Arum
Calla palustris

This perennial marginal is deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on the climate as a harsh winter will have a deciduous effect. It has a long, conspicuous, creeping suface root and round to heart-shaped pointed leaves which are mid to dark-green. They are glossy, firm and leathery. The flowers which appear in spring look like small flattened arum lilies and are followed by clusters of attractive red or orange berries.


Height 25cm (10")
Spread 30cm (12")
Water depth to 5cm (2")
Hardy
Full sun
Propagation by seed or division

Marsh Marigold, Kingcup
Caltha palustris

This is one of the most popular marginals for a small pond. The familiar buttercup-like flowers are bright yellow and waxy, brightening up the early days of spring. They are complimented by dark green leaves which are almost round, heart-shaped at the base and with toothed margins.


Height 15-30cm (6-12")
Spread 30cm (12")
Water depth to 8-10cm (3-4")
Hardy
Full sun or partial shade
Propagation by seed or division

White Marsh Marigold
Caltha palustris var. alba

This varies from the species in that it produces white flowers slightly earlier in the year. It is also a more compact plant and is ideal when the growing container is propped inside a barrel or tub.


Height 15-23cm (6-9")
Spread 23cm (9")
Water depth to 5-8cm (2-3")
Hardy
Full sun to partial shade
Propagation by seed or division