Plants for fountains are the ideal way to add visual appeal to your home; they are a great way to add beauty and tranquility to your outdoor space.

14 Plants for Fountains

A water fountain in your garden would have an elevated, luxurious look, especially if you add several greens next to them.

But not just any plants will do – you need plants that can handle the wet environment of a fountain. Read this article, to know the most amazing ones you can add.

List of Plants for Fountains

1. Lucky Four-Leaf Clover

What could be better than adding some good luck to your water garden? The four-leaf clover symbolizes good luck, and the Lucky 4-Leaf Clover or Marsilea mutica, lives up to its name. This plant is perfect for aquascaping; legend says it will bring good fortune to your home.

– Features

The Lucky 4-Leaf Clover has small, round leaves arranged in a whorl around the stem. The leaves are vibrant green and have white spots on the upper surface.

Lucky Four-Leaf Clover on the Field

The plant grows to a height of four to six inches and has a spread of eight to 12 inches. It is also one of the best plants for small water features. 

– Growing Time

It has high water needs and a season of interest in spring mid to late, and easly summer to mid-summer, and fall. Which means that, it blooms all year round (except for winter). These tiny little yet beautiful four-leaf clovers will bring up the entire look of your fountain, creating a blanket of clovers appealing to any nature lover!

2. Water Lilies

A powerful association that we have with plants surrounding water is water lilies! Whenever we go near a fountain or a pond and find plants surrounding it, our minds unconsciously try to find water lilies. That’s how common they are in water gardens. 

– Specification

Water lilies come from the family Nymphaeaceae and are native to tropical and temperate parts of the world.

White Flower Water Lilies

Their blooms provide a mesmerizing sight to the viewer. With proper care and nutrition, you can enjoy a long line of water lilies right in your fountain or pond!

– Features

The water lily are an all-season aquatic plant, meaning their charming colors and fragrance last all year long, leaving your water as beautiful as ever! They make for the ideal indoor water fountain plants. 

But be careful, as they sometimes cause drainage problems and if you are planting them right in the fountain, avoid doing so under the water as the splashes might harm them.

3. Red Star Ludwigia

Want to add some more color to your garden fountain? How about some red? Red Star Ludwigia is a perfect choice for large fountains; they add height and vibrant color to your fountain!

– Growth Specifications

They bloom above the water’s surface and are easy to maintain.

Red Star Ludwigia in the Jar

The Ludwigia Glandulosa would grow approximately 36 inches in height, and if you want to plant them in a smaller place, a dwarf version is also available! A high sunlit place would be ideal for this plant for its deep color, and it grows steadily with the right care.

– Pros

And the best part—they attract bees, wildlife, and even hummingbirds! How amazing would that bee in your garden!

– Cons

But on the other hand, one thing that you will need to be cautious about is ingestion. As vibrant as it can be, it can also be poisonous for humans if ingested.

4. Water Iris

Water Iris is an aquatic plant that requires only around three to four inches of water, making it ideal for not-too-deep fountains. 

– Design Idea

Water iris has a few types, and a yellow flag iris would surely brighten up your place! Add some natural color to your fountain. Water irises are easy to take care of and bloom well in warmer climates.

Blue Flowers Water Iris

– Blooming Feature

They are the first yellows you’ll notice as a signal for spring. This type of plant is perfect for your fountain as it is considered the number one choice for all water feature types.

Autumn is the ideal time to plant it as it provides enough time for the plant to settle before winter. And lastly, a general-purpose aquatic fertilizer would be a cherry on top to take care of it!

5. Moneywort

Moneywort is an aquatic plant creating a dense blanket of small, cute, shiny leaves floating on the water’s surface, leaving you sparkled. 

– Key Attribute

The Bacopa Monnieri is a tropical plant ideal for beginners learning to plant or beginner aquarists. They are one of a kind to their easy maintenance and are recommended to be planted at different places to create a broad and bright look.

Beds of Yellow Moneywort

This cute little plant can grow both ways, submerged or emerged in water. It typically reaches a height of three to seven inches and requires full sun or full shade.

– Significance

This plant is also a significant plant of Ayurveda medicine practiced in the South Asian regions. The five-petaled flowers bloom a gorgeous yellow and white and are often visited by honeybees. Plus! They bloom all year round!

6. Ruffled Water Lettuce

This beautiful water plant resembles cabbage and lettuce combined. It floats on the water’s surface and can create a very subtle, monotonous sight for the viewer.

– Growth Specifications

The leaves of the Pistia Stratiotes typically grow eight to 10 inches long and four inches wide.

Ruffled Water Lettuce Floating on the Water

This plant has been cultivated for thousands of years, and they’re ideal water surface pond plants for warm climates.

– Drawback

A warning again, be cautious of its resemblance, do not keep it near children or pets, and make the adults around well aware that this plant is highly toxic if ingested. 

7. Water Wisteria

Wisteria is a fairly popular name; even plant rookies know of it. 

– Key Characteristic

It comes in a few shapes and colors, and one of its types, and this means that the hygrophila difformis, would happily grown as a floating plant where it rises to the surface of the water.

Water Wisteria in the Garden

This water plant is a great source of food and shelter and is ideal for outdoor fish ponds. Water wisteria would grow up to 20 inches in height and 10 inches wide.

– Design Idea

It is a very popular plant because of its lacy leaves, rapid growth, and bright green color. It is easy to care for but might lose its leaves on the first purchase, given it needs to be given the right maintenance and nutrition.

It can also be used as a background plant, making it the perfect addition to most water fountains because it grows so big and wide. So what are you waiting for? Grab this gorgeous plant for that perfect fountain look!

8. Canna Lily 

One of the most popular plants around fountains is the canna lily. 

– Requirements

It is a popular choice for gardens, fountains, and landscaping projects because of its ability to thrive in both sun and shade.

Yellow Canna Lily

Canna lilies are also relatively easy to care for, as they tolerate heat and drought. If you inhabitate in a warm climate, you can keep them as houseplants. Just be sure to give them plenty of light and water.

– Features

Its large, tropical-looking leaves and showy flowers add a touch of drama to any garden. These plants are also known for their showy flowers, which come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. Another benefit of canna lilies is that they are deer resistant, so you wouldn’t have to worry about them being eaten by hungry wildlife.

9. Cardinal Plant

Cardinal plants are also popular in gardens and fountains.Cardinal plants prefer moist soil and partial shade, making them ideal for growing around fountains.

Bright Red Cardinal Plant

– Features

It is a beautiful red flowering plant that will add a splash of color to any garden. Native to North America, this perennial plant is easy to care for and will bloom from summer to fall.

In addition to their striking flowers, cardinal plants also have attractive foliage that will add interest to your garden all season long, in addition to the beautiful cardinal flowers, known as the lobelia Cardinalis. Overall, if you’re looking for a plant to decorate around your fountain, the cardinal plant is a great option.

10. Virginia Spiderwort

The Virginia spiderwort is a hardy and versatile plant that makes an excellent addition to any garden. It’s scientific name is Tradescantia Virginiana.

– Features

The leaves are green in color, but they may also have streaks of purple or Burgundy. In late spring or early summer, the Virginia spiderwort produces small, blue flowers that bloom for several weeks.

Virginia Spiderwort Flower

The flowers are followed by seed pods that can be used for dried arrangements. Its long, slender leaves and delicate flowers provide an elegant backdrop for any fountain.

– Care Requirements

The plant is also easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and trimming. In addition, the Virginia spiderwort is resistant to most pests and diseases. As a result, it is an ideal plant for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their garden.

11. Japanese Iris

Do you know? The Japanese iris is a perfect plant for your fountain! 

– Originating From

The plant gets its name from the Greek goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods. The Japanese iris is native to Asia and has been cultivated in Japan for centuries. Today, the Japanese iris can be found in fountains worldwide.

A Beautiful Shot of Japanese Iris

– Specifications

The Japanese iris is an evergreen perennial that grows from rhizomes. The plant has long, linear leaves and large, showy flowers. The flowers come in various colors: white, purple, blue, and pink. The plant blooms from June to July, and the flowers last about two weeks.

– Requirements

The plants prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant, and they will not tolerate wet feet. With its easy care requirements and striking flowers, it is no wonder that this plant has been popular for centuries!

12.  Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing plant that can quickly cover large areas. Creeping Jenny is an excellent plant to use for ground cover around a fountain. 

– Required Conditions

This plant does best in moist conditions and can tolerate partial shade. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases. Creeping Jenny is a low-maintenance plant that will thrive with minimal care, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners.

Detailed Green Close-up of Creeping Jenny

Its fast growth rate will help to fill in any bare spots quickly, and its tiny leaves will create a dense mat that helps to prevent weeds from taking root.

– Features

It has small, round leaves that are bright green. Additionally, the bright green color of the leaves will add a pop of color to your fountain area. 

13. Rodgers Flower

Looking for a vibrant, eye-catching addition to your garden or outdoor fountain? Consider planting Roger’s Flowers or Rodgersia Pinnata. 

– Key Features

These beautiful blooms come in various colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. 

Rodgers Flower in a Garden

Rodgers flowers are some of the most beautiful and regal flowers you will ever see. They have deep blue petals that are velvety to the touch and a robust and elegant stem.

– Requirements

Whether a beginner gardener or an experienced horticulturist, you’ll have no trouble keeping these flowers healthy and happy. And they’re not just pretty to look at—Roger’s Flowers are also known for being incredibly easy to care for.

Roger’s Flowers are known for their long blooming season, so you can enjoy their beauty all summer long. Try Roger’s Flowers if you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance flower to add to your outdoor space.

14. Nasturtium

Last but not least, we have Nasturtium which is even known as Tropaeolum majus is a great addition to your fountain.

– Features

It is a cheerful, annual climbing plant that produces a profusion of vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. An easy-to-grow powerhouse, nasturtium is also edible, with peppery leaves that make a delicious addition to salads.

Nasturtium Growing in Pot

The flowers are typically yellow or orange, with five petals. The leaves are simple and basal, with toothed margins. The fruit is a silique, which contains many tiny seeds. Nasturtiums are popular garden plants due to their vivid colors and easy care requirements.

– Characteristics

For those wondering how to decorate around a water fountain, Nasturtium is an excellent choice for decorating around your fountain. This is because it will quickly cover any bare patches of soil and spill over the edges of containers. These plants are versatile and can add beauty and flavor to any fountain.

Conclusion

All the plants above can complement a water fountain and elevate its look completely. Make sure to learn about the different care needs of each plant before you go ahead and plant one on your own.

Whatever plant you decide to grow, always remember the following important points from the article above:

  • The Creeping Jenny is a beautiful plant, but much like the name suggests can be invasive. It is best for bigger water features. 
  • Canna Lilies are excellent because they add visual appeal without being over-demanding. 
  • Red Star Ludwigia is an excellent plant for those looking specifically to brighten up their water fountains. They add a lot of color and can be super vibrant. 

So, which plant are you going to grow, as these plants grow and give your garden a very pleasing look. 

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