Best water plants for zone 6?

[Gemma]

What are some of the best "nutrients consuming" plant I could put in my pond?
I currently have: Black Taro, water Marigold, water Hyacinth, Cannas, umbrella Palm and another plant with blueish flowers I don't know the name of.
I used to have water irises but I didn't like all the dead leaves cleaning early in the season, and I had water Lilly but I'm not sure with the new depth (over 4') I can still have the nice ones

Are there any other plants that would do good in zone 6, other than those mentioned above?

 

[Lisak1]

I always like to have some kind of rushes or reeds - I love the upright growth and they put out a tremendous root system. I don't remember the names of all of mine, but I have some that are blue-stemmed, some that are variegated and some that are just lovely green. And I love irises - not sure why you feel they have more dead leaves to clean than any other pond plant, other than they can grow large.

Is your pond 4 feet deep all around? If so, you could still have water lilies - some people use a crate turned upside down to raise the level of the pot to where the plant will be happier. Just look for the varieties that enjoy deeper water. I think water lilies are a must in a pond! They are just too pretty to pass up, plus they provide great cover for your fish. And there aren't many things that can grow IN the pond - if you don't have lilies or lotuses you will have only marginals or floaters to choose from.

 

[Gemma]

I always like to have some kind of rushes or reeds - I love the upright growth and they put out a tremendous root system. I don't remember the names of all of mine, but I have some that are blue-stemmed, some that are variegated and some that are just lovely green. And I love irises - not sure why you feel they have more dead leaves to clean than any other pond plant, other than they can grow large.

Is your pond 4 feet deep all around? If so, you could still have water lilies - some people use a crate turned upside down to raise the level of the pot to where the plant will be happier. Just look for the varieties that enjoy deeper water. I think water lilies are a must in a pond! They are just too pretty to pass up, plus they provide great cover for your fish. And there aren't many things that can grow IN the pond - if you don't have lilies or lotuses you will have only marginals or floaters to choose from.

Only the main part of the pond is over 4' deep, but that's not the only thing , When I hired contractors to enlarge the pond last year, they raised the water level so high that now the mesh (you see in my Avatar) that I use to cover the pond, is barely above water level, I don't think water Lilies would do good there
The upper section , where I keep the plants is about 1' deep, I'm assuming that's way too shallow for water Lilies?

 

[j.w]

Sedges are great for sucking up nutrients and look very nice also. Many types to choose from. I like my variegated one on the left by the gator. It's in a pedestal pot on a shelf down about 18".

 

[Lisak1]

Have you posted pictures of your pond? It would help to see what you're working with!

 

[Faebinder]

what depth will you put the plants at??

 

[Gemma]

Sedges are great for sucking up nutrients and look very nice also. Many types to choose from. I like my variegated one on the left by the gator. It's in a pedestal pot on a shelf down about 18".

View attachment 102040

Your pond looks awesome!
By "Sedges" you mean ornamental grasses? I've used them and loved them, I just didn't know given the limited space if they were the best choice.

 

[Gemma]

Have you posted pictures of your pond? It would help to see what you're working with!

I put the Irises back!

 

[Gemma]

what depth will you put the plants at??

Depends on the plant, the upper section is 1' deep but some plants I put on stones to lift them up.

 

[Nyboy]

love your window box did you make it ?

 

[Gemma]

love your window box did you make it ?

Thanks! I designed them and Hubby built'em!

 

[Nyboy]

You make a good team !

 

[Nyboy]

I know window boxes can be a pain to keep watered, but they really raise the cuteness factor

 

[Gemma]

You make a good team !

I know window boxes can be a pain to keep watered, but they really raise the cuteness factor

We sure do make a good team, you should see the chicken coop we are building!..again my design (other than ventilation) and his "power tool" abilities
I water my window boxes (4 of them) from inside the house once a day, or even less if it rains

 

[j.w]

Your pond looks awesome!
By "Sedges" you mean ornamental grasses? I've used them and loved them, I just didn't know given the limited space if they were the best choice.

Thanks and here is an article on Sedges. They are not grasses. I love them. They do prefer some shade tho.

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/sedge/