Plants that are planted both around it and directly in the water help make a pond a wonderful decoration, and sometimes even a real work of garden art.
Plants that are planted both around it and directly in the water help make a pond a wonderful decoration, and sometimes even a real work of garden art.
To decorate ponds and coastal areas, plants such as irises, nymphs (or water lilies), daylilies, as well as reeds and various herbs are used.
- Initially, when planning a place for a pond, it is better to determine a sunny area. This is necessary in order to prevent water from blooming.
- If you choose the right place, caring for plants near the water is simple: you will be able to see overgrown flowers and herbs already this year.
Nympheas (water lilies or water lilies)
Some of the most beautiful plants for a pond. Nymphs come in a variety of colors: white, pink, yellow, red and even purple and blue. The plant has a powerful rhizome and roots, which are attached to the soil at the bottom of the reservoir, and long stems with flowers stretch to the surface of the water. The size of nymphea flowers varies from the smallest (dwarf water lilies) to medium and large and reach a diameter of 2 to 25 cm.
In the store, nymphs are sold in plastic boxes in which the roots of the plant are stored in water with a small amount of soil. There are 1-2 sprouts in the box. When planting a plant, the roots in this form should be immersed in water.
The depth of immersion in water depends on the size of the plant: it is enough to lower small nymphs to a depth of 30 cm, medium plants are best used in a reservoir with a depth of at least 60 cm. Nymphs love clean water, so regular cleaning of the reservoir is necessary in combination with the use of special products that keep it clean water.
Nymphea flowers can be admired from June to September. One water lily flower blooms for an average of 4-5 days: at 8-10 am the flower blooms, then at around 4 pm it closes and goes under water. Nymphs should be planted with the onset of stable warm weather - starting at the end of May and continuing throughout the summer. Although in cold summer weather the nymph, of course, will not die - it simply will not bloom.
Blooming nymphea 'James Brydon'
We recommend removing faded petals to prevent algae in the pond. For the winter, nymphs should be dug up and stored in a box until spring. Plants can be stored in the cellar - they do not need light during wintering.
Irises
A very beautiful perennial plant that thrives near water. There are about 200 varieties of irises, including swamp irises, which are well adapted to large amounts of moisture.
For planting, irises are purchased in the form of bulbs, as well as bulbs with a stem. They should be planted starting from the end of May and throughout the summer. Mineral fertilizers are suitable as top dressing and should be applied when planting in the spring and 1-2 times during the first half of summer. Irises love moisture, so you need to make sure that there is always water in the pond.
Irises should be covered for the winter. Approximately once every 4 years, iris bulbs are dug up in winter for the purpose of replanting.
Such unpretentious plants as daylilies, reeds, pistia, marsh crocus, and loosestrife are also suitable for planting near a pond. We will tell you about each of them in a little more detail.
Daylilies
Herbaceous perennial plant with colorful flowers. Well suited for the garden because... After flowering, beautiful leaves remain. Daylilies thrive in shade and partial shade, but can bloom well in diffused light. However, from experience, you should avoid planting daylilies in open sun, which harms the flowers.
Daylilies bloom for about a month. They can be planted 2 times a year: at the end of spring (May) and at the end of summer (August and early September). The plant overwinters well in the soil - daylilies do not need to be dug up or replanted.
Reed
A beautiful and unpretentious moisture-loving plant, which is also used in landscape design when decorating a reservoir. There are many types of reeds, all of which have an inflorescence at the top of the stem. Unlike daylilies, reeds love open sun. It remains decorative throughout the season, but the main flowering time is June and July. It is unpretentious to the soil and does not require careful care. It tolerates wintering well in the ground, but it is recommended to cut off dry leaves in the fall.
Sedge
Decorative perennial grass. It grows very well, and if necessary, its growth can be limited by digging a metal plate into the soil, or limiting the sedge growth area with gravel. The main ease of use of this plant is its excellent adaptability to cold and temperate climates and its unpretentiousness to the composition of the soil. Sedge can be planted throughout the summer (alternatively in special containers), but it is recommended to cut off dry leaves after winter.
Pistia
A perennial green plant native to the tropics that grows directly in water. Just like all aquatic plants, it loves a lot of light and warm water.
The plant is usually planted in shallow ponds, starting in spring and throughout the summer. Pistia does not tolerate cold water well and feels good in water from +15 degrees. Subject to temperature conditions, it does not require special care.
Swamp Crocus
Perennial flowering plant. Loves the sun, we choose May and August as the time for planting. Despite their external fragility, swamp crocus bulbs overwinter well in the ground. The plant will add color and subtle beauty to your pond.
Loosestrife
Perennial herb with purple and pink flowers. If you are planting loosestrife for the first time, then sow it for seedlings at the beginning of the calendar year (from January to March). Grown seedlings are planted in the ground starting in May. In the first year, the plant usually does not produce flowers, but already has beautiful leaves, which become red in the fall. Merlin blooms throughout the summer.
All of these plants do not require special care: it is necessary to remove dry leaves and, of course, carry out regular watering. published
The content of the article:
Reed (Scirpus) belongs to a genus of plants that have both a perennial and annual growth period. These are mainly coastal-aquatic representatives of the green world of the planet. They belong to the Sedge family, which in Latin is called Cyperaceae; it also includes a large number of monocotyledonous plants. It is very difficult to list the native places where reeds are found in nature, since they grow on all lands of the planet except the Arctic. There are up to forty varieties in the genus, and about twenty-two species are found in Russia.
Reed gets its name because of its soft and pliable stems, which have long been familiar to people for their properties, and the word “scirpus” comes from the concept of “weaving” or “knitting”. In the lands of the “old lady” of Great Britain, such plants are called “cat’s tail” and are considered a very good omen if a reed with a green head is found. On the islands of Britain it was believed that reeds brought good luck and had healing and protective properties. But in Egypt and the pages of the Old Testament this plant was called reed, and there was an opinion that the basket that served as a bed for the baby Moses was woven from reed stems. And there we can see the moment where the baby was sent across the waters of the river in a basket made of reeds to save him from death. Mention of a child floating in a reed basket on the waters of a river is also present in ancient Greek mythology.
Reed is a perennial with fairly large heights; they can reach 2.5 meters. The rhizome of some species is tuberous, which allows the plant to quickly spread and form entire thickets. But basically the rhizome is devoid of such formations. The stem can be either cylindrical or triangular in shape. The flowers formed on reed stems are bisexual, compound-spike-shaped, from which inflorescences are collected in the form of umbrellas, panicles, or can take on capitate contours. The inflorescences are apical, but their location from the side appears lateral. They have a lot of branching. The spikelets are made up of many flowers, their color is blackish-green, maybe rusty or red-brown, from which glomeruli are collected together from one to five units. The fruit is a nut with flattened or triangular outlines.
- Location and lighting for reeds. When planting this plant, which loves increased soil moisture, it is important that the substrate has neutral or slightly acidic acidity levels. A place for planting is also selected in shallow water. Reed grows best when it has full sunlight, but varieties of forest and rooting reed can tolerate light shading. These varieties are more demanding in growth than the species representatives of this family. Their growth rate is slower, and they are poorly susceptible to growth. If the water level drops too much, then when growing in central Russia, this threatens to freeze out the varieties described above. If the shore is swampy, then varieties of reeds with stems with leaves can be planted on it. When planting, they are flooded to a depth of no more than 20 cm. If the plant has a bare stem, then it is usually kept in a flooded state, and the depth for lake reed, as well as Tabernemontan and the Albescens variety can reach a meter. All other species are best grown in shallow water, where depth indicators will vary between 10–30 cm. If they are planted in the coastal zone, then such plants are limited, since they are prone to spreading, then they should be immersed in water in planting containers.
- General care. Representatives of the Sedge family, and not only reeds, are quite unpretentious plants when grown in cultivation. However, there is a problem of their growth due to too long rhizomes or spreading by self-sowing. Particular attention should be paid in this regard to varieties of rooting reeds, which can throw their stems into other containers located in the neighborhood. With the arrival of late autumn, plants require cutting.
Rules for self-propagation of reeds
You can get a new young cat's tail plant by sowing its seeds or dividing the rhizome. The division operation is carried out in spring or September.
When grown from seeds, reeds may lose their varietal properties. Seeds should be stratified for two months in a humid place at low heat levels. With the arrival of February-March, seed material must be distributed over the surface of a substrate made of moistened peat, humus and coarse sand (equal parts). The container with the crops is placed under glass or wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a tray with water. The temperature during germination should be between 17–20 degrees. After a week, friendly shoots appear. After cultivation, 1–2 months later, picking is carried out, and with the arrival of June, young reeds can be planted in a permanent place of growth. Drooping reed seeds do not need to be stratified. This plant can also reproduce by self-sowing.
When dividing the rhizome, the reed bush should be dug up and, using a sharp pruner or knife, divided into sections so that each has developed roots and 1–2 growth buds. Then these parts are immediately planted in a permanent place. Between them you should leave up to half a meter if the reeds are large or up to 20–30 cm if the sections are small.
Difficulties in cultivating reeds
In general, reeds are quite resistant to harmful insects and diseases, but are sometimes attacked by spider mites or aphids. This is possible when cultivation conditions become unfavorable: increased air dryness, excessive or poor soil moisture, maintenance at low temperatures or when exposed to drafts. And since reeds react very poorly to chemicals that could eliminate pests, it is better to create normal conditions for its growth and periodically carry out inspections. Otherwise, you will have to use insecticides.
Also, if the humidity is low, the stems turn brown at the ends. You should spray with warm water and if the cultivation is indoors, you can place the pot with reeds in a tray with water poured into it.
Since reed rhizomes contain a large amount of starch, for a long time they were dried and made into flour. Reed leaves are often woven into multiple household products, such as rugs, mats, baskets and shopping bags. It can also be used to decorate wickerwork made from willow twigs (vines). If you cut them in July, they will remain green in color, while cutting them in August and September will reward the reed leaf blades with a rich yellowish color. In this case, the reeds are cut and dried from the surface of the water at a distance of 10–15 cm. To ensure that the material remains elastic and has a beautiful color, drying takes place in the shade. Reed stems and leaves are often used as fuel.
Back in the 20th century, it was customary to use reeds to make reed concrete - a building material based on some kind of binder (cement or gypsum). But this mainly took place in rural construction. From it you can obtain alcohol and glycerin, which is often used in paper making.
It has happened that reeds are mistakenly called cattails or reeds, but these are completely different representatives of the flora. But, despite this, in the Turkic language reeds are called “reeds” - Qamis, in Azerbaijani.
This example of the green world is also known in folk medicine because of its astringent, sedative, as well as enveloping, diuretic and hemostatic properties. Used in the treatment of diarrhea, urolithiasis, dysentery and epilepsy. Traditional healers also prescribe reed-based medications for burns, boils, spider bites, vomiting, gastroesterocolitis, pyelonephritis and dispensation.
Types of reeds
- Lake reed (Scirpus lacustris) It is a perennial plant, with a height of 100–250 cm. It likes to settle in brightly lit areas. It prefers to grow in shallow waters of reservoirs, as well as areas of rivers and lakes where the water is predominantly stagnant or slowly flowing. Basically, its depth varies between 50–100 cm, the soils are different. The thickets formed by this reed are clean. The native growing area is very extensive. It has a thickened rhizome, with a creeping shape, and its color is dark brown. Because of these roots, this variety has the ability to grow extensively into real thickets. The leaves are so reduced (reduced) that they can be considered absent. All the functions that the leaf plates perform are taken over by the plant stem. It has a cylindrical shape, green color, smooth surface, thickness varies from 1.5 to 2 cm. Due to multiple air cavities, the stem has a loose structure; at its base there are sheaths with a brownish color. The stem contains a fairly developed aerenchyma, which is the name given to air-bearing tissue. In the stem, some of the epidermal cells have protruding outlines, and this is a protective layer for it so that the stomata that are contained there are not wetted by water. When flowering, an inflorescence with a paniculate shape is formed, its length is 5–8 cm. It has branches of different lengths, with a rough surface, which bear spikelets collected in bunches. The spikelets have oblong-ovate outlines and a sharp tip with a length of up to 8–10 mm. The scales have a reddish-brown tint, their outlines are ovoid, ciliated along the edge, and their outer side is smooth. The nut ripens in a gray tone, with an obovate shape, its contours also have a flattened trihedral, its length is 3 mm. Flowering occurs between July and August.
- Forest reed (Scirpus silvaticus). The height of this variety can vary in the range of 40–120 cm. There is a short rhizome from which the shoots originate. The stem has an erect appearance, its surface is bluntly triangular, and at the top it becomes rough. Leaf plates are located along the entire length. The length of the leaves reaches 20 cm, the width is about 2 cm. The leaves have elongated sheaths, the edge is rough, the outline is flat, and there is a keel on the reverse side. When flowering, an inflorescence with well-developed branching is formed, its contours are ovoid, its length can reach up to 20 cm. At the base of the inflorescence, 3–4 bract petals grow. The branches are located at the ends with a rough surface, and they bear 3–5 spikelets. The shape of such spicate processes is ovoid, with a blunt apex, and they reach 3–4 mm in length. They have scales with oblong-ovoid outlines, with a point at the tip, and are colored black-greenish. The nut has an obovate outline and is no more than 1 mm in length. Flowering occurs in the second half of June or at the beginning of July. The fruits begin to ripen in August. The native habitat is in the European part, as well as the lands of the Caucasus, all of Siberia and the Far East. It prefers to settle in swampy and very wet meadows, along the swampy banks of waterways, in ditches and oxbow lakes, and does not shy away from cutting down damp woodlands.
- Rooting rush (Scirpus radicans). It is a perennial plant reaching a height of 40–120 cm. It has a shortened rhizome. The stems grow in two varieties: some are flower-bearing and grow straight; the latter, which do not have flowers, have an arched bend, inclined towards the soil and can easily take root at the top. The flowering stems are very similar to the type of forest reed. The flowering process occurs in the month of July. In the natural environment, it prefers to settle in shallow waters of reservoirs, as well as where there are rivers and lakes; this reed has not ignored damp meadows and swampy areas. The distribution area is in the Far East, all regions of Siberia and the lands of the European part of Russia.
- Tibernaemontana reed (Scirpus tabernaemontani). The height varies from one to one and a half meters. The thickness of the stem is often measured at 1.5 cm. At its base there are sheaths devoid of plates. The inflorescence is formed of a compressed paniculate shape and reaches up to 5 cm in length. The spikelets have an oblong-ovate outline, their length does not exceed 7 mm, and grows to a minimum of 4 mm. The scales, which are located on the outside, are covered with warts, colored purple-brown. The nut has a greenish-brown tint, is flat-convex in shape, and its length does not exceed 2 mm. In all other respects, it resembles a variety of lake reed. The flowering process occurs in July-August. The native natural distribution area covers all regions of the globe except the Arctic. They live mainly in shallow water in water reservoirs, as well as lakes, ponds, rivers, and can grow in ditches and marshy areas with fresh or salt water.
- Bristle reed (Scirpus setaceus). Its native distribution area is in Europe, the Caucasus and southwestern Siberia; it did not ignore India, Central and Western Asia. He likes to settle on damp sand along the shores of reservoirs, where there are warm-temperate or subtropical climatic zones. It is an annual plant that can reach from 3 to 20 cm in height. It grows a lot of stems, they are thin with leaves of a very narrow shape. The number of spikelets varies from 1 to 4; they are collected in a bunch, crowning the top of the stem. The bract has a single leaf and is larger than the inflorescence. The scales that cover it are painted in a dark purple color, with a green stripe present on them. The flowering process occurs in the month of May.
- Sea reed (Scirpus maritimus). It has a creeping rhizome and a perennial life cycle. The height of the stems ranges from half a meter to a meter. The leaf plates have linear outlines and reach 3–8 mm in height. At the top of the shoot a dense inflorescence with a star-umbrella shape is formed. Color - brown. It is mainly used for landscaping areas with saline soil.
- Pointed reed (Scirpus mucronatus). The native distribution area is in the southern Russian regions. There this plant grows as a perennial, and very dense bushy thickets are formed, reaching a height of 70 cm. But this reed does not spread much. The spikelets are arranged in a compacted group. The stems have a light greenish color, in the upper part of their outline there are well-defined three edges, and the bract leaf looks the same, which is located in such a way that it creates the feeling of an extension of the stem.
Drooping reed is an attractive plant whose stems resemble threads that glow at the ends.
Reed: growing from seeds
Drooping reed or scirpus can be propagated by seeds that are collected from spikelets. When sowing, a mixture of leaf soil, sand and peat is used, deepening the seeds a couple of millimeters. After sowing, the container must be covered with glass, removing it for a few minutes every day.
Throughout the germination period, the temperature should be maintained at 18 degrees. Watering is needed periodically. When the seedlings get a little stronger, they are planted in separate small pots, shading them from the bright sun at first. It should be noted that reed seedlings develop quite slowly.
Reed reproduction
A faster way to propagate such a plant is to divide the rhizome of an adult plant. After removing the reed from the pot, all yellowed leaves are removed from it. It is also necessary to carefully remove all the soil from the roots, dividing the plant into several copies.
After that, they are planted in separate pots. This method of propagation will also contribute to the rejuvenation of the plant.
Reed: growth and flowering patterns
Drooping reed is a plant that grows quite close, its stems grow up to 25 cm in length.
At the tips of the thin stems are fluffy white inflorescences, which consist of small white flowers. As a result of their large number, flowering looks extremely attractive.
Reeds: care features
In order for reeds to grow normally at home, they need to be provided with high air humidity. A mixture of sand, leaf soil and peat is suitable for cultivation. It is recommended to replant the plant annually in February.
For normal growth, the plant needs abundant watering at any time of the year - the soil and air should always be moist. Periodic feeding is needed only in summer.
At any time of the year, reeds should be in partial shade - bright sun is harmful to them. To ensure that the stems grow evenly in all directions, the plant must be rotated periodically. In the warm season, it feels normal at room temperature; in winter it should not be allowed to drop to 7 degrees.
Possible problems
As a result of low air humidity, the ends of the reed stems may turn brown. In this case, the plant must be sprayed with warm water and placed on a tray with water.
Sometimes reeds can be affected. In this case, treatment with an insecticide will help.
Reed is an annual or perennial plant that belongs to the sedge family. Grows in swampy areas in the subtropical zone.
Reed is a tall plant, the stem height is up to three meters. The stem of the Reed is thin, triangular or cylindrical. The flowers are bisexual. They are collected in different inflorescences: a head, an umbrella or a panicle. The roots of the plant contain starch, so in ancient times flour was made from Reed.
There is a species of Kamish that grows indoors. This - Scirpus (Scirpus). The main condition for proper cultivation is moisture, since Reed is a marsh plant. There is another name for it - Isolepis, and popularly - “cuckoo tears”. In appearance, indoor reed is an unusual herbaceous plant. Its leaves resemble hair, they are long and thin. The maximum height and diameter of Skirpus is 30 centimeters. Its shape resembles a fountain.
Flower shops sell homemade Reeds, the lower part of the stem of which is wrapped. Such plants look decorative and resemble a palm tree in appearance.
Reeds - care:
Lighting:
Reed feels comfortable in illuminated areas. It is painful to tolerate direct sunlight and highly lit places. The best place for it is partial shade. When there is a lack of light, the leaves of the Reed stretch out greatly, and under the influence of direct rays the leaves are burned.
Temperature:
Reed is a cold-resistant plant. Can withstand up to +5°C. The plant loves warmth. It does not tolerate high temperatures well, but during this period it requires abundant watering of the soil. In general, it is not whimsical to temperature conditions.
Watering:
The reeds are watered abundantly. Spray the leaves once every three days. In winter, watering is reduced.
Humidity:
The plant is very capricious regarding humidity. Very dry air has a bad effect on it. It is recommended to spray the plant with cool water every three days in the summer. Ideal soil moisture is 85%. If the soil is not moist enough, the tips of the leaves begin to dry out. There should always be water in the tray of the pot. It is better to plant it in a plastic pot, as it does not deteriorate from water. Water the plant with settled, non-hard water. 
Feeding:
Fertilize Reed with mineral fertilizers in a proportion of 1 gram per 1 meter. Typically, wood ash, compost or humus is added to the soil. They are also fertilized in moderation with superphosphate and potassium salt. In early spring, fertilize with urea. For proper growth and development, the plant is fed monthly with calcium-free fertilizers.
Transfer:
The plant quickly ages and sheds its leaves. Therefore, every spring Scirpus is replanted and thereby divided. Transplant into a shallow and wide container, and yellowed leaves must be removed. The soil should be leafy and turfy. Sand is also added in a 1:2 ratio. Reed should not be divided into many parts, since the root system is weak, and very small bushes may not take root.
Reproduction:
Reed reproduces by dividing the root system. One plant can be planted for 7 young ones, since Sciprus takes root easily.
Some features:
The plant is not whimsical. The only conditions are very moist soil, partial shade and a temperature range from 5°C to 25°C.
Reeds - diseases and pests:
We must make sure that the cats do not eat the leaves of the Reed, as they love them very much. Plant pests include aphids and mites.
Reed – types:
There are 52 species. The following species grow on the territory of Ukraine: Eastern reed, forest reed, Colchis reed, rooting reed, Maksimovich reed and Vikhura reed.
Widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions, especially on the African continent and Australia, it visually closely resembles grass.
Plant loves moisture, it is customary to plant it near the shores of various bodies of water, its miniature varieties develop well in an aquatic environment, the flower is widely used in decorating aquariums. Isolepis grows well in pots; for this it is necessary to maintain a certain level of soil and air humidity.
The genus was recently bred from the genus Reed; there are perennial and annual plants, rhizomatous and without roots. The stems of the plant are cylindrical and can be quite thin.
Flower fruits They are biconvex and triangular achenes, which can be longitudinally ribbed.
Varieties
Scirpus atrovirens. Perennial plant, single straight stem 90-150 cm, may have several stems. The number of leaves varies from 4 to 9, width - 2 cm, color - dark green.
Scirpus mucronatus. A perennial plant up to 70 cm high, the leafless light green stems in the upper part are triangular in shape, the number of leaves is 1-2, the spikelets form a group.
Scirpus cernuus. The second name is hair grass, it is a perennial herbaceous plant with long thread-like leaf stems. Feels great on marshy, damp soils; the bush consists of a large number of fused bunches of leaves, at the ends of which there are small spikelets.
How to grow?
In the coastal area isolepsis is recommended to be grown in swampy soils, and in aquariums - on hard ground. When grown in pots, the plant feels good on a fertile clay mixture; isolepsis needs intense lighting, but direct rays in this case are not the most suitable option.
Landing
Plant can be planted in a pond or on a non-swampy bank; varieties with leafy stems should be placed in water to a depth of no more than 20 cm; varieties without leaves should be sunk to a depth of no more than a meter.
Miniature-sized species are used to decorate the shore.
Drooping reeds, which is grown indoors, needs sun; in such conditions, the plant forms a bunch of ascending leaves and stems; with a lack of light, the bush takes on a spreading shape.
Soil for planting should consist of a mixture of sand, turf, humus or leaf soil, sand in a ratio of 1: 2: 1. The flower grows well in hydroponics; the container should be wide enough and shallow.
Watering
When growing isolepis, it is also important to monitor the level of humidity; the frequency of watering is 2-3 times a week. Due to the fact that the plant receives a lot of moisture when watering, it is not recommended to grow it in hanging baskets; isolepsis must be sprayed daily, in hot weather - 2 times a day.
If this is not enough, the flower pot must be placed on a tray with wet pebbles. It should be borne in mind that dry soil can be destructive for the plant, especially in the heat.
Top dressing
Feeding It is recommended to carry out every three weeks, diluting fertilizers strictly according to the instructions.
When growing isolepis indoors at room temperature, fertilizing should be done year-round.
Important role Feeding plays a role during the period of active development; mineral fertilizers are used as top dressing, which should not contain calcium.
Transplant It is best to plant a flower once or twice a year; replanting is best done in two containers; it is recommended to first divide the bush into 2 parts.
At rapid growth The stems and root system must be divided into 2 parts; in order for them to take root faster, it is recommended to leave the pots for several days without watering in a shaded place.
Reproduction
Usually plant propagation carried out by division, when dividing it is necessary to take into account that very small parts develop slowly.
Seeds You can immediately sow on the surface of wet sand, or use filtered paper folded several times and placed in a small saucer with water.
plant plant in open ground, approximately centimeter-long seedlings are recommended. Recently, isolepis is increasingly grown in plastic tubes, which gives the flower some originality.
For this must be taken a tube whose dimensions allow the root system with a small amount of soil to be placed inside it.
Pests
And for the most curious, we suggest you watch a video about isolepis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrz3XTN_x9w