Identity card
Necessary to the biological equilibrium of any stretch of water, aquatic plants are hydrophytes or helophytes (the vegetative and reproductive organ is above or below water). They are distinguished by their foliage and rooting.
The submerged plants (elodea, callitriche, vallisneria) are species where the roots and foliage grow underwater. These plants are oxygenating; they filter the water and provide a good refuge for aquatic fauna.
The plants with emerged foliage (sagittaria, thalia, etc.) are rooted at the bottom of the pond and their foliage emerges above the water line. They decorate the banks of ponds and constitute excellent filters.
The floating plants are not rooted and they float freely on the surface of the water (water hyacinths, water chestnuts, water lentils and lettuce, duckweeds, azolea floating ferns).
They filter the water and shade the pond, reducing the proliferation of algae. The plants with floating foliage (waterlily, lotus, white waterlily) are rooted at the bottom of the pond but their foliage and flower float on the surface of the water, brightening up ponds with their pretty colours.
Lastly, the bank plants (rushes, horsetail, yellow iris) help maintain the banks and add to the decoration. While some root in the water, most are planted in the soil.
The most famous are the waterlily and lotus, both hardies. The waterlily or white waterlily (Nymphea), with white, pink, red or yellow flowers depending on the species, needs 60 to 80 cm of water on average. The leaves can grow up to 1 metre in height. The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) with highly scented white or pink flowers, depending on the species, needs at least 30 cm of water. Its floating leaves can emerge for up to 0.50 m to 1.50 m above the water line.
Cultivation and care
These plants are easy to grow. They are laid out in small ponds in baskets at different water levels, depending on the species, so they can be brought inside in winter if they are fragile, but also to make it easier to control their growth.
The vegetation usually starts between April and May and lasts until the first frosts. Most are planted in a clayey mix with some peat and compost added. (Sources: Jardiland, Truffaut, Pépinières Juszczak)
At Rungis Market
As Mrs Martine Juszczak, Manager of Pépinières Juszczak, says: “Our company has specialized in bank plants like yellow irises, loosestrife, marsh marigolds, bullrushes, and rushes. We sell most of them from September to November and from February to March. It is very important to prune the plants after flowering and to add some fertilizer so they regenerate during the winter and produce a lovely bloom for the following spring.”
