Everything in this slideshow
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Lotus
One of the most elegant bloomers in the water garden, lotus produces large, exotic peony-like flowers throughout the summer. The blooms appear in a number of colors and are a perfect accent to the gorgeous blue-green leaves.
Name: Nelumbo selections
Growing Conditions: Full sun, submerged in water
Size: To 6 feet tall, depending on type
Zones: Tropical: 10-11, Hardy: 4-9
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Louisiana Iris
Louisiana irises are native to areas of North America. Many hybrids have been developed, but one of the most elegant is the native, red-flowered species I. fulva.
Name: Iris fulva
Growing Conditions: Full sun, pondside
Size: 3 feet tall
Zones: 5-9
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Pitcher Plant
This underused plant is carnivorous, meaning it eats insects. Enjoy the tube-shaped leaves as well as the fascinating springtime red, purple, yellow, or green flowers.
Name: Sarracenia hybrids
Growing Conditions: Full sun, pondside
Size: To 18 inches tall
Zones: 2-11, depending on type
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Canna
Cannas are favorite, old-fashioned plants that you may not have considered for the water garden. They add a refreshing, tropical feel to your landscape.
Name: Canna selections
Growing Conditions: Full sun, submerged or pondside
Size: To 6 feet tall, depending on type
Zones: 8-11
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Swamp Lily
Swamp lilies are native to North America and bear lily-like pink or white blooms from spring to fall. Some types are deliciously fragrant and all are great for cutting.
Name: Crinum americanum
Growing Conditions: Full sun, pondside
Size: To 4 feet tall
Zones: 9-11
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Sweet Flag
Grow these plants for their striking foliage. Variegated types offer bright cream and green stripes that stand out among other plants.
Name: Acorus calamus ‘Variegata’
Growing Conditions: Full sun, pondside
Size: To 5 feet tall
Zones: 4-11
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Rain Lily
Like a crocus for water gardens, rain lilies produce delicate flowers during the summer months in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white.
Name: Zephyranthes selections
Growing Conditions: Full sun, pondside
Size: To 1 foot tall
Zones: 9-11, depending on type
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Cattail
A fast spreader, cattail produces familiar spikes of fuzzy brown blooms and beautiful grassy leaves.
Name: Typha latifolia
Growing Conditions: Full sun, submerged or pondside
Size: To 6 feet tall
Zones: 2-11
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Japanese Primrose
The perfect little plant for the water garden’s edge, Japanese primroses are delightful perennials that thrive in acidic soils. It self-sows, resulting in a delightful colony of mixed colors in just a few seasons.
Name: Primula japonica
Growing Conditions: Part to full shade, pondside
Size: To 18 inches tall
Zones: 4-8
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Perennial Hibiscus
You can’t beat the big, bold flowers of hibiscus for a dramatic show. Native to wet areas across North America, this perennial is as tough and easy-to-grow as it is gorgeous.
Name: Hibiscus moscheutos
Growing Conditions: Full sun, pondside
Size: To 8 feet tall
Zones: 5-10
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Cardinal Flower
Cardinal flower is an excellent late-summer-blooming perennial for the edge of the water garden. The bright red flowers may attract hummingbirds.
Name: Lobelia cardinalis
Growing Conditions: Part to full shade, pondside
Size: 3 feet tall
Zones: 3-9
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Japanese Iris
Japanese iris is another favorite water-garden iris that bears large, often dinner-plate size flowers in a charming gallery of brushstroke color combinations.
Name: Iris japonica
Growing Conditions: Full sun, pondside
Size: 3 feet tall
Zones: 3-8
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Taro
Create a tropical look with taro (also sometimes called elephant’s ears). For extra drama, select one of the beautiful purple-leaf varieties.
Name: Colocasia selections
Growing Conditions: Part to full shade, pondside
Size: To 5 feet tall
Zones: 9-11
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Papyrus
While ancient Egyptians used this plant to make paper, it’s also a great water-garden plant. The tall stems create a decidedly tropical look.
Name: Cyperus papyrus
Growing Conditions: Full sun, pondside or submerged
Size: To 6 feet tall
Zones: 9-11
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Water Lily
A water garden isn’t complete without an array of beautiful water lilies. There are tropical and hardy types, as well as varieties that bloom during the day and at night.
Name: Nymphaea selections
Growing Conditions: Full sun, submerged in water
Size: To 6 feet wide, depending on type
Zones: Tropical: 10-11, Hardy: 4-9
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