A stream in your own garden is a real treat - even more so when it has one or the other attractively flowering aquatic plant. In this article you will learn which aquatic plants are best suited for the stream and what you should generally consider when planting your stream.

A stream in the garden only really comes into its own when it is planted

Aquatic plants in the stream - noble and useful

In fact, aquatic plants in the stream do not only serve optical purposes. Well chosen, they also act as natural water filters: They extract excess nutrients from the water that flows through them and release oxygen to it. In this way they contribute to water purity.

Pretty aquatic plants for the stream

Here is an overview of aquatic plants that enhance your stream in every respect:

  • Speedwell (bot. Veronica beccabunga): sky-blue flowers, ground cover, ideal for the riparian zone
  • Burning buttercup (Ranunculus flammula): yellow flowers, needs a boggy soil
  • Umbellated swan flower (Butomus umbellatus): umbel-like inflorescence with relatively large individual flowers in red and white
  • English water mint (Preslia cervina): purple inflorescence, grows in loose clusters
  • Heart-leaved waterspoon (Alisma parviflorum): has a particularly high need for nutrients, making it perfect for water purification
  • Pennywort (Lysimachia nummularia): yellow flowers, very nice as groundcover in riparian areas
  • Narrow-leaved cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium): white pompom flowers, needs peaty, peaty soil
  • Marsh Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis palustris): numerous small blue flowers

Extra: ideas for planting along the banks of the creek

On the banks of your stream, you should primarily use plants that like moisture but do not necessarily need waterlogging. Here are some ideas for plant species that work well (not just aquatic plants):

  • Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis): light yellow flowers, clumpy growth
  • Günsel (Ajuga reptans): purple flowers, native ground cover
  • Japanese swamp iris (Iris ensata): wows with enchanting flowers (in crimson - natural; in white, pink, blue or violet - cultivated)
  • Cuckoo campion (Lychnis floscuculi): native wildflower
  • Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria): lilac, white flowers, acts as an important food plant for insects
  • Water lavender (Eupatorium cannabinum): reddish flowers, clumpy growth
  • Meadow knotweed (Polygonum bistorta): pink flowers
  • Meadow iris (Iris sibirica): blue to blue-violet flowers

Reeds and other grasses also come into their own in the bank area.

Basic recommendations for stream planting

It is advisable not to plant the stream too densely, even if you are quickly tempted - given the splendor of available aquatic plants. However, the Bach character should be preserved.

You also have to adjust the number of aquatic plants to the amount of water available to prevent the stream from running dry.

Plant the aquatic plants in a plant bag filled with substrate - then integrate this into the stream at the desired location.

Category:

Vegetable garden