Deep Water

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Water Pond Plants

What are deep water pond plants?

Deep water pond plants are aquatic plants that grow from baskets positioned below the water surface. Their stems rise through the water and produce floating or emerging leaves and flowers.

They are used in areas that are too deep for most marginal plants and can add shade, surface cover, seasonal colour and valuable habitat to a pond. Water Hawthorn, Fringed Water Lily, Yellow Water Snowflake and Brandy Bottle are examples of deep water plants.

How are deep water pond plants different from marginal plants?

Marginal plants are normally positioned around the shallow edges of a pond, with their roots underwater and most of their foliage growing above the surface.

Deep water plants are placed farther below the surface. Their stems grow upwards from the basket until their leaves and flowers reach the top of the water.

The correct planting depth varies between individual varieties, so each plant should be positioned according to its own care instructions.

Are deep water plants the same as water lilies?

Water lilies are a type of deep water aquatic plant, but they are often placed in a separate category because of their popularity and the wide range of varieties available.

Other deep water plants may have different leaf shapes, flowers, growing habits and flowering seasons. Combining water lilies with other deep water plants can create a more varied and longer lasting display.

Do I need deep water plants if I already have water lilies?

You do not necessarily need both, but combining them can produce a more varied planting scheme.

Water lilies are particularly valued for their broad leaves and large summer flowers. Other deep water plants may flower earlier or later, tolerate different growing conditions or produce smaller foliage that creates a softer and more natural appearance.

The right combination will depend on your pond size, water depth, available space and the appearance you want to achieve.

What depth should deep water pond plants be placed at?

The correct depth depends entirely on the plant variety. Some deep water plants prefer their baskets to sit only 10 cm or 20 cm below the surface, while larger and more established plants may tolerate considerably deeper water.

Planting depth is usually measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface, not from the bottom of the pond.

Always follow the depth guidance provided on the individual product page.

Should deep water plants be lowered gradually?

Some deep water plants benefit from being introduced at a shallower depth while they establish. This allows their leaves to reach the surface more easily before the basket is moved to its final position.

Once the plant produces stronger stems and active growth, it can be lowered gradually if the variety is suitable for deeper water.

New or recently divided plants should not automatically be placed at the maximum recommended depth.

How many deep water plants does my pond need?

The number required depends on the size of the pond, the expected spread of each plant and how much existing surface cover is already present.

A small pond may only need 1 carefully selected deep water plant, while a larger pond may accommodate several varieties. It is important to allow room for each plant to mature rather than filling the entire pond immediately.

Check the expected spread of every variety before deciding how many to order.

How much of the pond surface should be covered by plants?

As a general guide, floating leaves from deep water plants, water lilies and floating plants can cover approximately 50% to 66% of the pond surface during summer.

This level of coverage can provide useful shade while still leaving open water for viewing fish, water movement and gas exchange.

The ideal amount will vary depending on the pond design, fish stocking, sunlight, filtration and the types of plants being grown.

Do deep water pond plants help reduce algae?

Deep water plants can help make conditions less favourable for excessive algae growth. Their floating leaves shade the water, while their roots and growing foliage absorb nutrients.

However, plants cannot guarantee an algae free pond. Excessive sunlight, high nutrient levels, overfeeding, heavy fish stocking and insufficient filtration can still lead to green water or blanketweed.

Plants work best as part of a balanced pond that also has suitable filtration and maintenance where required.

Can deep water plants keep pond water clear without a filter?

In a lightly stocked wildlife pond, a good mixture of plants may help maintain naturally balanced water without mechanical filtration.

In ponds containing larger numbers of fish, plants are unlikely to process all of the waste produced. These ponds will normally still require suitable filtration, water movement and regular maintenance.

The number of fish and the volume of waste entering the pond are more important than the presence of plants alone.

Are deep water plants suitable for wildlife ponds?

Deep water plants are an excellent addition to wildlife ponds. Their stems and underwater growth provide shelter for tadpoles, newts and aquatic insects, while floating leaves offer shade and resting places.

Frogs may sit on larger leaves, and dragonflies and damselflies can use the foliage when resting or emerging from the pond.

For the greatest wildlife value, combine deep water plants with oxygenating plants, marginal plants and areas of open water.

Are deep water pond plants safe for fish?

Most traditional deep water pond plants are suitable for ponds containing fish. Their leaves provide shade and shelter, while their stems create additional structure beneath the water.

Some fish may nibble softer foliage or disturb the growing media in the basket. Larger koi can be particularly destructive and may uproot plants or move baskets.

In a koi pond, plants may need to be placed in protected areas or secured so they cannot be easily disturbed.

Can deep water plants be grown in koi ponds?

Deep water plants can be grown in koi ponds, but they may require additional protection. Large koi frequently investigate plant baskets, disturb aquatic compost and damage young stems or leaves.

Heavy baskets, protective gravel, planting pockets or separate planted areas can help prevent damage.

Deep water plants should not be relied upon as the main method of water treatment in a heavily stocked koi pond. Suitable mechanical and biological filtration will still be essential.

Can deep water plants grow in moving water?

Most deep water plants prefer still or gently moving water. Their floating leaves need to rest on the surface without being constantly submerged, splashed or pushed around.

Avoid positioning them immediately beside waterfalls, fountains, powerful return pipes or strong pump inlets.

Gentle circulation around the pond is normally suitable, provided the leaves can remain settled on the surface.

Can deep water pond plants grow in shade?

Some varieties can tolerate partial shade, but most will produce stronger growth and more flowers when they receive a reasonable amount of sunlight.

Water Hawthorn can perform well in cooler conditions and may tolerate less sun than many traditional water lilies. Other varieties may flower poorly if the pond is heavily shaded.

Check the preferred light conditions for each plant before choosing a variety for a shaded pond.

Are deep water plants suitable for small ponds?

Some deep water plants can be grown successfully in small ponds, but their eventual spread must be considered carefully.

Compact varieties with restrained growth are usually the best choice. Stronger plants such as Brandy Bottle may become too large for a small garden pond and are better suited to more spacious water features.

Always compare the plant’s expected spread with the available surface area before ordering.

Can deep water plants be grown in container ponds?

Compact deep water plants can be grown in large container ponds, barrels and other watertight planters, provided there is enough water depth and surface space.

The container should be stable, receive suitable sunlight and have enough room for the leaves to spread. Water levels may fall quickly during warm weather, so they must be checked regularly.

Vigorous varieties are generally unsuitable for small containers because they can rapidly cover the available surface.

What type of basket and compost do deep water plants need?

Deep water plants are normally grown in aquatic planting baskets filled with specialist aquatic compost or another suitable low nutrient growing medium.

Standard multipurpose garden compost should not be used because it may float out of the basket and release excessive nutrients into the pond.

A layer of washed aquatic gravel can be placed over the compost to help keep it contained and discourage fish from disturbing the basket.

Do deep water pond plants need repotting?

Deep water plants may eventually need repotting if they become overcrowded, stop flowering well or begin pushing out of their basket.

The frequency will depend on the variety and its growth rate. Vigorous plants may need dividing every few years, while slower growing plants can remain undisturbed for much longer.

Repotting is usually carried out during spring or early summer when the plant is beginning active growth.

When is the best time to add deep water plants to a pond?

Spring and early summer are generally the best times to introduce deep water plants. Rising temperatures and increasing daylight encourage new roots, leaves and flowers.

Plants can also be added later in the growing season, although they may have less time to establish before winter.

Aquatic plants are naturally seasonal, so not every variety will be available or showing strong visible growth at the same time.

What should I expect when a deep water plant first arrives?

The appearance of a deep water plant will depend on the variety and the time of year. Plants dispatched early in the season may have limited foliage or appear recently cut back, while plants sent during summer are likely to have more developed leaves.

Aquatic plants are living and seasonal, so they may not arrive in flower or with leaves already reaching the water surface. Once placed at the correct depth, healthy new growth should develop as the plant settles.

Will my deep water plant arrive in flower?

Deep water plants are not guaranteed to arrive in flower. Flowering depends on the time of year, plant maturity, weather, water temperature and the amount of sunlight available.

A healthy plant may arrive without flowers and begin blooming later once it has established in the pond. The expected flowering period is shown on each product page as a guide.

How long does a deep water plant take to establish?

Establishment times vary according to the species, season and growing conditions. During warm spring and summer weather, new leaves may begin appearing within a few weeks.

Plants introduced during cooler weather may take longer to show visible growth. Correct planting depth, suitable sunlight and stable water conditions will help the plant settle more successfully.

Why are the leaves not reaching the pond surface?

The basket may have been positioned too deeply for the plant’s current size. Young or newly established plants often have shorter stems and may struggle to reach the surface when placed immediately at their maximum recommended depth.

Raise the basket closer to the surface and allow the plant to produce stronger growth. It can then be lowered gradually as the stems lengthen.

Why are the floating leaves turning yellow?

Older leaves naturally turn yellow and die back as they are replaced by fresh growth. Yellow foliage may also result from seasonal changes, poor light, unsuitable planting depth or a lack of available nutrients in the basket.

Remove decaying leaves where practical and check that the plant is positioned according to its recommended depth and sunlight requirements.

Should I remove dead leaves from deep water plants?

Dead, yellowing or damaged leaves should be removed when they can be reached safely. This keeps the plant tidy and reduces the amount of decomposing organic material entering the pond.

Cut the affected stem close to the basket without damaging new shoots. Avoid pulling firmly on the leaves, as this may disturb the roots or lift the plant from its growing media.

Do deep water plants die back during winter?

Many deep water pond plants naturally become dormant or die back during autumn and winter. Their leaves may yellow, collapse or disappear beneath the surface as temperatures fall.

Hardy plants usually remain alive within the basket and produce fresh growth when the water warms in spring. Dormancy is a normal part of the plant’s seasonal cycle.

Should deep water plants be removed from the pond during winter?

Hardy deep water plants can usually remain in the pond throughout winter, provided they are positioned at a suitable depth and the roots are protected from prolonged freezing.

Tender varieties may require frost protection or removal, depending on the species. Always check the individual plant information rather than assuming every deep water plant has the same winter requirements.

Can deep water plants survive if the pond freezes?

Hardy varieties can normally survive a layer of surface ice because their roots and growing crowns remain protected beneath the water.

Problems are more likely in very shallow containers that freeze completely. In smaller ponds, the basket may need to be moved into deeper water for winter if the chosen plant can tolerate that depth.

When should deep water plants be cut back?

Dead or damaged foliage can be removed throughout the growing season. A more thorough cutback is normally carried out during autumn as the plant begins to die back naturally.

Remove decaying leaves and flower stems before they sink and decompose. Healthy green growth should be left in place unless it is damaged or excessively overcrowded.

Do deep water pond plants need fertiliser?

Established plants may benefit from specialist aquatic plant fertiliser if their growth becomes weak or flowering declines. Aquatic fertiliser tablets are designed to be pushed into the compost near the roots.

Avoid using ordinary garden fertilisers because nutrients can dissolve rapidly into the pond and encourage algae. Fertilising should be carried out carefully and only when required.

How often should deep water plants be fertilised?

The frequency depends on the plant, basket size and growing medium. Many plants supplied in fresh aquatic compost will not need feeding immediately.

Established plants may benefit from feeding once active growth begins in spring, with further feeding only if recommended for that variety. Overfeeding should be avoided because excess nutrients may escape into the pond.

Can I plant deep water plants directly into the pond floor?

Deep water plants can be planted directly into the base of a natural clay or earth pond if the conditions are suitable. However, most garden ponds have liners, fibreglass or concrete bases and therefore require aquatic baskets.

Using baskets also makes plants easier to position, lift, divide and control. It helps prevent vigorous roots from spreading into areas where they are not wanted.

Can deep water plants be placed on pond shelves?

They can be placed on shelves if the water above the basket matches the plant’s recommended planting depth.

A deeper shelf may be suitable for a young plant, while raised supports may be needed if the shelf places it too far below the surface. Stable bricks, blocks or upturned aquatic baskets can sometimes be used to create the correct height.

Any support must be secure and should not have sharp edges that could damage the pond liner.

How is the planting depth of a deep water plant measured?

Planting depth is normally measured vertically from the top of the aquatic basket to the surface of the pond water.

It is not measured from the base of the pond or the bottom of the basket. This distinction is important when choosing a shelf or support for the plant.

For example, if a plant has a recommended depth of 30 cm, there should usually be approximately 30 cm of water above the top of its basket.

How do I stop a deep water plant basket from floating or tipping over?

The basket should contain enough aquatic compost and gravel to keep it stable. A layer of washed gravel over the surface can add weight and help prevent the growing medium from escaping.

Position the basket on a flat and secure surface. In deeper water, lower it carefully using strong cord or handles rather than dropping it into place.

Large fish, steep shelves and strong water movement can all cause lightweight baskets to tip.

Can I use bricks to raise deep water plants?

Bricks can be used to raise aquatic baskets to the correct depth, provided they are clean, stable and suitable for use in the pond.

Arrange them so the basket sits level and cannot slide off. Avoid sharp or broken bricks that could puncture a liner.

The supports can be removed gradually as the plant grows and is lowered towards its final position.

Will deep water plants damage a pond liner?

Aquatic plants grown in baskets should not normally damage a sound pond liner. Their roots remain largely contained within the basket and growing medium.

Care should be taken when moving heavy baskets, bricks or supports across the liner. Lift them rather than dragging them, and avoid placing sharp edges directly against the pond surface.

Can deep water plants spread too much?

Some varieties can spread widely across the surface or develop strong roots within their baskets. Vigorous species may eventually dominate a small pond if they are not managed.

Choose plants according to their expected spread and divide or thin them when necessary. Keeping plants in baskets makes their growth easier to control than planting them directly into a natural pond base.

Can I divide an established deep water pond plant?

Many established deep water plants can be divided when they become overcrowded. The best time is usually during spring or early summer as active growth begins.

Lift the basket carefully, separate healthy sections with roots and growing points, and replant them into fresh aquatic compost. Remove old, weak or decaying material before returning the plants to the pond.

Can deep water plants be planted with oxygenating plants?

Yes. Deep water plants and oxygenating plants perform different roles and are often used together.

Deep water plants provide surface cover and shade, while oxygenating plants grow mainly beneath the water and provide submerged habitat. Combining both can create a more varied and naturally balanced pond.

Can deep water plants be planted with marginal plants?

Yes. Marginal plants grow around the shallower edges of the pond, while deep water plants occupy deeper areas.

Using both creates a layered planting scheme, with height and colour around the pond edge and floating leaves or flowers across the open water.

Which deep water plants flower earliest in the year?

Water Hawthorn is one of the best known deep water plants for early season flowers. It can begin flowering during cooler spring conditions, before many traditional water lilies have produced substantial growth.

Its flowering can pause during very warm weather before returning as temperatures cool later in the season.

Which deep water plants flower during summer?

Fringed Water Lily, Yellow Water Snowflake and Brandy Bottle can all provide summer flowers in suitable conditions.

Exact flowering times depend on sunlight, water temperature, plant maturity and local weather. A plant may flower earlier or later than expected from one year to the next.

Can I combine different deep water plants in the same pond?

Yes, provided the pond is large enough to accommodate their eventual spread.

Combining plants with different flowering periods, leaf sizes and growth habits can create a longer season of interest. Leave sufficient space between baskets so the plants are not competing heavily once established.

Can 2 deep water plants share the same basket?

It is usually better to plant them in separate baskets. This gives each plant sufficient room for its roots and makes future lifting, dividing and repositioning much easier.

Placing 2 vigorous plants in the same basket can lead to overcrowding, reduced flowering and competition for nutrients.

How far apart should deep water plant baskets be placed?

Spacing depends on the expected spread of each variety. Compact plants can be positioned closer together, while vigorous plants require much more room.

Use the eventual spread shown on each product page rather than judging by the size of the plant when it arrives. Allowing sufficient space at the beginning reduces the need for frequent thinning later.

Can deep water plants be moved after they have been placed?

Yes. Basket grown plants can be lifted and repositioned if the water depth, sunlight or available space is unsuitable.

Move the basket carefully to avoid damaging the stems or disturbing the compost. It is generally easier to reposition plants before they become fully established and heavily rooted.

Why is my deep water plant producing leaves but no flowers?

Poor flowering can be caused by insufficient sunlight, low water temperatures, recent planting, overcrowding or a lack of nutrients in the basket.

Some plants need time to establish before flowering well. Check that the plant receives suitable light, is positioned at the correct depth and has enough room to grow.

Why are my deep water plant leaves rotting below the surface?

This can happen when a newly planted or immature plant is positioned too deeply. Leaves that cannot reach the surface may weaken and decay underwater.

Raise the basket to a shallower position and remove badly damaged foliage. Once stronger stems have developed, the plant may be lowered gradually.

Why are there holes in the leaves of my deep water plants?

Holes can result from fish damage, aquatic insects, snails, physical damage or leaves naturally beginning to deteriorate.

A small amount of damage is usually harmless. Remove severely damaged leaves and observe the plant to identify whether fish or pests are continuing to affect the new growth.

Do snails eat deep water pond plants?

Some pond snails feed mainly on algae and decaying material, but they may also graze soft or damaged plant tissue.

Healthy plants can usually tolerate minor grazing. Significant damage is more likely to be caused by fish, leaf beetles or other aquatic pests than by a small population of ordinary pond snails.

Can fish eat deep water pond plants?

Yes, some fish may nibble leaves, stems or roots. Goldfish can disturb softer growth, while larger koi may damage plants more extensively.

Providing secure baskets and protecting the compost with washed gravel can help. In ponds with particularly destructive fish, plants may need to be placed behind a barrier or in a separate planting area.

Are deep water plants safe for newts and frogs?

Traditional pond plants are generally beneficial for newts, frogs and other amphibians. Their leaves and stems provide shelter, shade and places to rest.

Avoid using pesticides, general garden fertilisers or chemical treatments around the plants, as these may be harmful to aquatic wildlife.

Can deep water plants help shade fish?

Yes. Floating leaves create shaded areas where fish can shelter from strong sunlight and feel more secure.

Shade can be particularly helpful during hot weather, but some open water should remain to allow good circulation, viewing and gas exchange.

Can deep water plants help keep pond water cooler?

Floating leaves can reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching parts of the pond surface. This may help limit rapid temperature increases during hot weather.

Plants cannot prevent all temperature changes, particularly in small or shallow ponds, but suitable surface cover can contribute to more stable conditions.

Can deep water plants be used in a formal pond?

Yes. Deep water plants can soften the appearance of a formal pond and add seasonal colour without changing its overall structure.

For a clean and controlled appearance, choose compact varieties and position baskets carefully. Regular trimming will help prevent foliage from spreading beyond the desired area.

Can deep water plants be used in a natural swimming pond?

Deep water plants can be suitable for the planted regeneration areas of a natural swimming pond, depending on the design and water depth.

They should generally be kept away from the main swimming area, strong circulation points and equipment inlets. Plant choice should form part of the overall filtration and planting design rather than being added at random.

Can deep water plants be added to a newly built pond?

Yes, but the pond should first be filled, conditioned where necessary and allowed to reach a suitable temperature.

Ensure any tap water has been treated appropriately and that cement, concrete, sealants or fibreglass finishes are fully cured before plants are introduced.

Position each basket according to its recommended depth and monitor new plants during the first few weeks.

How do I choose the best deep water plant for my pond?

Start by measuring the water depth from the intended basket position to the surface. Then consider the pond size, sunlight, water movement and the amount of surface cover already present.

Compare these details with the recommended depth, eventual spread and growing conditions shown on each product page. Compact varieties are better for smaller ponds, while vigorous plants need more space to develop properly.

Are all deep water pond plants native to the UK?

No. Some deep water pond plants are native to the UK, while others originate from different parts of the world but grow successfully in British ponds.

If native status is important for a wildlife pond or ecological planting scheme, check the information shown on the individual product page before ordering.

Which deep water pond plants are native to the UK?

Brandy Bottle, Nuphar lutea, and Fringed Water Lily, Nymphoides peltata, are native to the UK.

Native plants can provide valuable habitat for British wildlife, but suitability also depends on the size, depth and conditions of the pond.

Are any deep water pond plants invasive?

Some deep water plants can spread vigorously when grown in suitable conditions. A plant may not be officially classed as invasive but can still become too dominant for a small pond.

Check the expected spread before planting and keep vigorous varieties contained in aquatic baskets where possible.

How can I control a deep water plant that is spreading too far?

Lift the basket and remove excess roots, runners or growing points. The remaining healthy section can then be replanted into fresh aquatic compost.

Floating leaves can also be thinned during the growing season, but removing foliage alone will not permanently control a vigorous root system.

Which deep water plant is best for a small pond?

Compact Nymphoides varieties are often better suited to smaller ponds than vigorous plants such as Brandy Bottle.

The best choice will depend on the available water depth, sunlight and surface area. Always compare the expected spread with the size of the pond before ordering.

Which deep water plant is best for a large pond?

Brandy Bottle is well suited to larger ponds where it has enough room to spread. Water Hawthorn and other vigorous deep water plants can also create attractive surface coverage in spacious ponds.

Large ponds can often accommodate several varieties with different leaf shapes and flowering periods.

Which deep water pond plant is best for partial shade?

Water Hawthorn is one of the better choices for ponds that receive partial shade or cooler conditions.

Most deep water plants still benefit from some direct sunlight, particularly if flowering is important. Heavily shaded ponds may produce fewer flowers and slower growth.

Which deep water plant has the longest flowering season?

Water Hawthorn can provide flowers over a long period because it performs well during cooler spring and autumn conditions.

Its flowering may slow during the warmest part of summer before returning as temperatures fall. Flowering duration will still depend on weather, sunlight and plant maturity.

Which deep water plant provides the most surface cover?

Brandy Bottle can produce extensive floating foliage once established and is therefore best suited to larger ponds.

The eventual coverage of any deep water plant will depend on its growing conditions, basket size, maturity and available nutrients.

Can deep water plants improve pond water quality?

Deep water plants can support water quality by absorbing nutrients while actively growing and shading part of the pond surface.

They should not be considered a complete water treatment system. Filtration, fish numbers, feeding, maintenance and the amount of organic waste will still affect water quality.

Do deep water plants remove nitrates from pond water?

Growing aquatic plants absorb nitrogen based nutrients, including nitrates, as part of their natural growth.

The amount removed will depend on the size and growth rate of the plant. Heavily stocked fish ponds will normally produce more waste than plants alone can absorb.

Do deep water plants affect pond pH?

Deep water plants can contribute to natural daily changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which may cause small variations in pH.

They are unlikely to correct significant pH problems. Pond pH is influenced more strongly by water hardness, alkalinity, biological activity and the source water used to fill the pond.

Do deep water plants need moving or aerated water?

They do not require strong water movement and generally prefer still or gently circulating water.

Aeration elsewhere in the pond can be beneficial, but air stones should not be positioned directly beneath floating leaves because the bubbles may constantly disturb or damage them.

Can deep water plants grow near a pond pump?

They can grow near a pump if the intake does not pull strongly on the leaves, stems or roots.

Keep baskets and trailing growth away from pump inlets to reduce the risk of blockages and plant damage. Floating leaves should also be kept away from powerful return flows.

Can deep water plants block pond filters or pumps?

Loose leaves, long stems and decaying plant material can occasionally be drawn towards pump inlets or skimmers.

Regularly remove dead foliage and position vigorous plants away from equipment. A suitable pump guard or intake cage can also help prevent blockages.

How do I know whether a deep water plant is healthy?

A healthy plant should have a firm root system or growing crown, with new shoots appearing during its active season.

The amount of visible foliage will vary throughout the year. Dormant plants may appear small or bare during cooler months but can still be healthy below the surface.

What should I do if my deep water plant arrives damaged?

Unpack the plant promptly and inspect the basket, roots and growing crown. A few damaged leaves are normally not a serious problem and can be removed before the plant is placed into the pond.

If the basket, crown or root system appears badly damaged, take clear photographs and contact the supplier as soon as possible.

How quickly should I put a delivered deep water plant into the pond?

Deep water plants should be unpacked and placed into suitable water as soon as possible after delivery.

If immediate planting is not possible, keep the basket wet and protect the foliage from strong sunlight and drying winds. Do not allow the roots or aquatic compost to dry out.

Can deep water plants be kept temporarily in a bucket?

They can be kept temporarily in a clean container of water, provided the basket remains submerged at a suitable depth and the foliage is not crushed.

A bucket is only a temporary solution. The water can warm quickly and become stagnant, so the plant should be transferred to the pond as soon as practical.

How do I choose between Water Hawthorn, Fringed Water Lily and Brandy Bottle?

Choose according to pond size, planting depth, sunlight and the type of coverage you want.

Water Hawthorn is valued for fragrant flowers and cooler season interest. Fringed Water Lily produces smaller floating leaves and delicate yellow flowers. Brandy Bottle is a stronger growing native plant that is better suited to larger ponds with plenty of space.