Help with plants etc for pond

[azjason]

I am building a small pond, or more of a stream type water way in my backyard. I am looking for input on plants etc I can use. I live in Phoenix AZ area so it gets very hot, there won't be any shade. I'm looking for low maintenance plants and kinds that don't reproduce or grow out of control too much. Was thinking some iris. My wife was wondering if we can run a real shallow stream of water thru clover, an idea she had. Some color and attractive plants would be nice. I have little to no experience with plant names etc. Thanks for any help.

 

[Stephen Noble]

Welcome azjason! Iris will definitely grow if kept moist. Clover is pretty tough and I've seen it growing in marshy (not flooded) areas so what the heck, why not try? Here is a link that might help:

Riparian and Wetland Plants – Southeastern Arizona Wildflowers and Plants

Please keep us posted on your stream. It sounds like a fantastic idea!

 

[Lisak1]

There are very few plants, I've found, that won't take over if you give them an opportunity. Irises are NOTORIOUS over growers. They would be lovely in your stream, but do plan to keep them under control.

Check your local nurseries for what grows well in your area - they will stock a lot of the more common plants. You can ask for things that do well in marshy or wet areas, as most of what you will be planting will be marginal type plants.

I think the only plant I've put in my pond that HASN'T overgrown it's boundaries is marsh marigold. Stays nice and compact year after year. But that may be because it dies back as soon as it gets hot here.

 

[Mmathis]

Be careful if you get any type of aquatic clover! Just do some research. I am a sucker for clover. Had some variety that turned out to be nasty-invasive! I’m sure it kept the water cooler and helped with filtration, but once it took hold....! A2a