Landscaping around a water feature can be tricky. You want something that looks good, possibly hides the edges of the water feature and makes it look like it has been there for a while. There are certain plants that should be avoided altogether and others that make great choices.

Eucalyptus, pine trees, conifers, fruit bearing plants, plants that attract birds or bees, plants with thorns or barbs, bamboo, pampas grass, yucca, cactus as well as nut and acorn producing plants. If you have a large pond you may opt for bamboo or pampas grass and this would be ok as long as you realize how fast it will grow as well as the fact that you will lose access to that part of your pond eventually unless you want to cut the plants back. Do not put pipes, electrical cords or other similar items near this end of your pond. It is also best if you use these two plants to have a natural pond as bamboo has strong roots that travel.

Luckily there is a list of plants that work great around water features rather they are a pond, a fountain, a spa or a swimming pool. Potted plants are great choices because you can move them around and the roots are contained. Some great choices for potted plants include canna, hibiscus, lantana, taro, banana, tuberous begonia and some varieties of ipomoea, commonly known as morning glory. Plants that work well as in ground plantings include hydrangea, low growing female juniper cultivars, daylilies, coreopsis, succulents, sedum, ferns, iberis sempervirens also known as evergreen candytuft, vinca minor, ajuga, salvia, iris and most annuals.

When planting around a water feature remember if you choose plants that drop leaves, flower buds or flower petals it will mean you will have to clean the water feature out on a regular basis which can mean more work for you. Learn as much as you can about the plants you are thinking of planting before you make a decision. Think about how much time you will have to devote to this area as well as how much you want to spend to landscape it. Remember that plants grow and in a few years larger ones will shade the water feature. If you want your water feature in full sun, avoid these larger plants. If your goal is to have a shaded water feature, choose accordingly.

Whatever your choice remember that removing large plants several years after they have been planted is a difficult task. Don’t get in a rush to landscape your water feature. Take your time, think your decisions through and in a few short years you will have the fully landscaped water feature of your dreams.