Selecting the right companion plants for your water lilies is essential for creating a balanced, beautiful, and healthy pond ecosystem. The ideal companions will share similar growing conditions, provide aesthetic harmony, and contribute to the pond's ecological function without competing aggressively for space or nutrients.
These plants are the unseen workhorses of a pond, living almost entirely beneath the surface. They absorb excess nutrients from the water (competing with algae and keeping water clear) and release oxygen, which is vital for fish and beneficial bacteria. Their delicate, feathery foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the large, solid pads of water lilies when viewed through the water. Excellent choices include Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), which is free-floating, and Anacharis (Elodea canadensis), which can be anchored in planting baskets. They coexist perfectly with water lilies as they occupy a different water stratum.
Marginal plants grow in the shallow edges of the pond, typically in water up to 6 inches deep. They frame the pond, soften the edges, and provide vertical interest that contrasts with the low, spreading habit of water lilies. Their roots also help to stabilize the pond's margins and filter water. Ideal marginal companions include Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) for its upright, sword-like leaves; Corkscrew Rush (Juncus effusus 'Spiralis') for its whimsical form; and various Iris species, such as Louisiana Iris or Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus), which offer stunning blooms.
Floating plants drift on the water's surface, their roots dangling freely in the water. They provide similar benefits to water lilies by shading the water, reducing algae growth, and offering cover for fish. However, they should be used sparingly to avoid completely covering the surface and blocking light from the submerged lilies. Good choices are Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), with its beautiful lavender flowers and bulbous stems, and Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), which forms attractive rosettes. They complement water lilies by filling in gaps without overwhelming them.
These plants, like water lilies, are planted in the deep water of the pond but send their flowers and most of their foliage high above the water line. They create dramatic focal points and add height and structure to the pond's center. The most classic and spectacular companion is the Lotus (Nelumbo spp.), whose huge, circular leaves and iconic flowers make a bold statement. Other options include the Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos), which blooms with vanilla-scented white flowers in the cooler spring and fall seasons, providing interest when water lilies are less active.
