Oxygenating plants are essential for the pond to flourish with wildlife. They assist to keep the oxygen levels up within the pond which is obviously necessary for all alive creatures to stay alive in your pond. I have described a few plants in my previous articles, but these are just a few more to help you onto your way.
Hottonia (Water Violet)
Hottonia palustris is one of the few flowering Oxygenators. The brilliant green foliage beneath the surface is finely separated into feathery leaves whilst in early summer the flower stalks appear. These branching stems grow about 9 inches above the water level and bear whorls of pale lavender flowers. In autumn the foliage dies down before the plant overwinters in dormant buds. It is not a simple plant to establish also it does require still, soft water. H. inflata is a white-flowering species. Take cuttings in the summer.
Lagarosiphon (Goldfish Weed)
Lagarosiphon major is the correct name for this plant but is often sold as Elodia crispa. The long stems bear tightly packed whorls of curled leaves and it is generally sold for aquaria. It is a really good Oxygenator that is easy to establish outdoors, it may be invasive and get out of hand. Some specialists recommend Lagarosiphon provided the pond is sufficiently small for the plants to be reached for thinning or removal, but others advise against it under all circumstances. Lagarosiphon tends to deteriorate with age so replace with cuttings every few years.
Myriophllum (Water Milfoil)
The Water Milfoils have long trailing stems that are clothed with very fine feathery foliage. This is really a recommended Oxygenator as it is effective and suitable for a little pond. The leaves can either be green or brownish, depending on the species and many are borne above the surface. Myriophyllum spicatum produces red-pettled flowers about 1 inch above the water level - another admired species is N. verticillatum. Take cuttings in spring or summer. Keep in mind that some species aren’t hardy, so don't forget to check before buying.
Potamogeton (Pondweed)
Potamogeton crispus (Curled Pondweed) is a large-leaved Oxygenator which is quite restrained and will not become an invasive weed. The long wiry stems bear strap-like reddish leaves which are wavy edged and look rather like seaweed. In poor light the foliage remains green as opposed to turning red or bronze. Small pinky-white flowers appear just above the water in early summer. it is happier in moving water rather than a still pond. P. densus is an unusual and hard to locate species. Take cuttings in sprig or summer.
Ranunculus (Water Buttercup)
Ranunculus aquatilis has two types of foliage. Below the waterline the green leaves are finely cut into hair-like segments, on the surface float the Clover-like leaves. In early summer, branched stems carrying white Buttercups appear. These flowers are held about 1 inch above the surface of the water. After flowering the plant dies back. A good choice for ponds of all sizes as it does not get out of hand and flowering Oxygenators are uncommon. Take cuttings in spring or summer.
Author Resource:-
I have been a keen gardener for so long as I can remember but I have only had a pond in my garden for a couple of years. I have struggled to create the pond that I now have so I will be down a few tips and ideas in the hope that it is going to make things a bit easier for those novice pond owners among you. Happy reading to you all. I would certainly also like to take this opportunity to thank the gardener london company who have given me help and advise throughout the many years that I’ve been gardening.
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