Plants for the Water Garden - Displayed by Common Name in Ascending Order

Musa Basjoo is cold hardy to -20 degrees when mulched properly. Its inflorescence is one of the most beautiful of all bananas. Even though the Basjoo Banana Tree does not produce edible fruit, it does form a a nice patio or pool specimen.

This banana-like annual in Zone 5 has large paddle-shaped leaves, which range in color from deep claret brown to red-purple to pale green, produced from the center of the plant, with thick midribs bright red beneath. White flowers are borne in inflorescences 3 to 4 feet long. Fruits are banana-like but dry and unpalatable.

This unique super dwarf allows for growing inside the home, on the porch, or close confines of a patio. Has a very symmetrical and compact appearance: 2 to 4 feet high. Can produce tasty fruit inside or out.

Spiky, dark green, grass-like foliage gives way to bright purplish-blue, star-like flowers. Though they bloom the heaviest in late spring and early summer, the plants may continue to bloom sporadically all summer long.

‘Buttered Popcorn’ is a fantastic creeping ground cover that does best in full sun to partial shade. Foliage is chartreuse to gold in color, are deeply cut, and serrated and make a nice backdrop for the bright yellow buttercup flowers. Blooms grace the plant in mid- to late- spring.

A delightful mix of free-flowering plants provides shimmering color over many weeks. Clumps perform best when left undivided. Presents a great display in a wildflower garden or natural area. Drought tolerant.

A virtually hassle-free, very long lived perennial, this cultivar of our native A. tuberosa offers three months of golden yellow blooms from early through late summer. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one.

The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, Monarch butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Gather bouquets of Asclepias all summer long; the long stems are wonderful for cutting and are long-lasting. Sear the ends of the cut stems over a flame to stop the milky sap from leaking out.

Following the fabulous flowers, green fruits develop which rupture to reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs reminiscent of its cousin, common milkweed. These are great to use in dried flower arrangements.

A virtually hassle-free, very long lived perennial, offering three months of tangerine orange blooms (occasionally red or yellow) from early through late summer. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, Monarch butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Gather bouquets of Asclepias all summer long; the long stems are wonderful for cutting and are long-lasting. Sear the ends of the cut stems over a flame to stop the milky sap from leaking out.

Following the fabulous flowers, green fruits develop which rupture to reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs reminiscent of its cousin, common milkweed. These are great to use in dried flower arrangements.

Pure white, medium flowers with large, heart-shaped foliage. Good for cuts of large containers.

Bright yellow fluted flowers with lightly spotted dark green foliage. Stems are strong and compact.

Deep purple to almost black flowers with large, slightly speckled deep green foliage. Good fo cutting or large containers.

Bicolor purple flowers with white edges. Specked dark green leaves have a leathery texture. Good for cuts and pots. 8-10 weeks to flower.

Bicolor creamy-yellow flowers with violet-magenta edges; leaves are dark green, lightly spotted and have a leathery texture.

Majestic dark purple flowers with a mauvy pink border over medium green leaves. Very floriferous! Good for cut flowers and filling larger containers.

Spectacular blood-red fluted blossoms above dark green foliage with white spots and red margins and stems. Good for cut flowers and to fill large containers. 8-10 weeks to flower.

Deep red flowers with rich green, white spotted leaves. Good for cuts and pots. 10-12 weeks to flower.

Bright yellow flowers with lightly spotted foliage. Compact grower is excellent for cut flowers and patio containers.

Dark pink flowers with rich green, white spotted leaves. Good for cuts and pots. 10-12 weeks to flower.

The deep burgundy-black foliage of ‘Australia’ has a satin-like sheen and the intense color holds superbly during the summer heat. The foliage rises to 4-5’, topped with a magnificent display of large, shocking red flowers...a true stunner and hummingbird magnet.

An eye-catching specimen. Exotic foliage is striped with tones of red, green, yellow and pink. Bears bright orange flowers.

Showy peach flowers contrast nicely against the dark bronze foliage in summer. Prefers more shade than other Cannas; works well in container gardens.

Bright orange blooms are striking against deep dark bronze foliage. Great for landscapes and container plantings in full sun! Striking foliage contrasts with the flowers, making them a great option for mixed combinations or in-ground plantings.

Bright peach blooms are striking against deep dark bronze foliage. Great for landscapes and container plantings in full sun! Striking foliage contrasts with the flowers, making them a great option for mixed combinations or in-ground plantings.

Superb contrast of scarlet flowers with dark foliage. High degree of uniformity with good branching habit and superior leaf quality along with high intensity colored blooms.

While remaining compact, Canna ‘Cannova Mango’ is an exceptional new hybrid boasting large red blossoms and lush tropical foliage. Cannas can be planted in full sun or part shade and are ideal for gardens, landscapes, or as a "thriller" in large mixed containers. Flowers all season long. Deadheading not necessary. Performs best in moist, fertile soil.

Earliest flowering of Cannas. Radiant, vividly colorful tropical beauty unleashes a summer fanfare of orange spikes of flag-like, lilylike blooms held above large, lush, bluish-green pointed leaves.

Bright fire red blooms with yellow margins are striking against green foliage. Great for landscapes and container plantings in full sun! Striking foliage contrasts with the flowers, making them a great option for mixed combinations or in-ground plantings.

Cannova Red Shades Canna features bold spikes of coral-pink flag-like flowers with red overtones at the ends of the stems from mid summer to early fall.

Superb contrast of rose flowers with green foliage. High degree of uniformity with good branching habit and superior leaf quality along with high intensity colored blooms.

Superb contrast of rose flowers with green foliage. High degree of uniformity with good branching habit and superior leaf quality along with high intensity colored blooms.

'Cannova® Scarlet' brings the allure of the Caribbean right to your garden with its majestic, banana-like leaves and vibrant, exotic scarlet red flowers. Great for landscapes and container plantings in full sun!

High degree of uniformity with good branching habit and superior leaf quality along with high intensity colored blooms.

Valued for its striking green, cream and yellow variegated foliage, edged in red. Large, orange, ginger-like flowers bloom from summer until frost.

Brilliant fire red flower spikes stand atop distinctly upright plants from late summer through early fall. The leaves are green and lance-like. This species prefers a location in partial shade.

The combination of big, wide-open, butterfly-shaped burgundy blooms and near-black stems is electrifying on this compact, free-flowering Lobelia! ‘Starship Burgundy’ earns its name with the eye-catching shade of velvet-red borne on its blooms, but its merits go far beyond beauty. It is a hummingbird magnet, and because it flowers from midsummer into mid-fall, you get a longer season of winged visitors!

This perennial has similar excellent bronzing on the leaves to its predecessor, but adds better basal branching and is earlier to flower. Cardinal red flower spikes.

The spikes of brilliant true blue flowers on this wetland native attract butterflies, hummingbirds and neighbors to your garden!

Shiny golden foliage brightens any garden or container; great combination filler plant

Also known as Imperial Taro and Black Caladium, this is an almost black, big-leaved Elephant Ear with dramatic green venation. Needs constant moisture to look its best. A real conversation starter.

One of the deepest black-leaved Colocasias available. If you’re looking for a focal point for the pond side or for containers, look no further than this dramatic plant. It features huge, glossy jet black, corrugated, arrow-shaped leaves with deep blue veins on jet black stems.

At full size in the landscape, it will reach 4’ tall and short runners will appear close to the mother plant. If you grow this plant in containers, make sure it is a very large one and be sure to give it a consistent supply of moisture. This plant will drink up all you can give it and can even grow directly in shallow water.

The medium green, 12" long leaves are highlighted by the most dramatic purple veins we've ever seen on an elephant ear. On the leaf back, the veins are equally dramatic, only cranberry instead of purple. This small elephant ear tops out for us at only 30" tall...perfect for a smaller location. Remember, rich moist soil grows the best elephant ears.

One of the deepest black-leaved Colocasias available. If you’re looking for a focal point for the pond side or for containers, look no further than this dramatic plant. It features huge, glossy jet black, corrugated, arrow-shaped leaves with deep blue veins on jet black stems.

At full size in the landscape, it will reach 4’ tall and short runners will appear close to the mother plant. If you grow this plant in containers, make sure it is a very large one and be sure to give it a consistent supply of moisture. This plant will drink up all you can give it and can even grow directly in shallow water.

This stunner takes white-striped foliage to a whole new level on a 3' tall, green-petioled plant, whose veins are swallowed up by a fast-moving band of white. Compared to its predecessor, Colocasia 'White Lava', Colocasia 'Maui Sunrise' develops the white coloration much earlier in the season and it goes much deeper into the leaf veins....truly stunning!

Colocasia ‘Tropical Storm’ is the long-awaited 2016 release from Hawaii's Dr. John Cho, that combines the black leaf color of Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ with the white striping of Colocasia ‘White Lava’. Colocasia esculenta ‘Tropical Storm’ is a compact, but fast clumper that grows to 30" tall, composed of purple-black foliage which is adorned in summer with a prominent central creamy white streak. You've never seen an elephant ear like this before...we promise.

A gorgeous tropical plant with showy colorful leaves and a tidy clumping habit. The glossy green and white leaves with vivid pink veins are held on dramatically dark stems. Bred to be sturdy garden performers and container specimens with excellent disease resistant. All-American Selections (AAS) winner for 2023.

This bright green grass-like plant gets its name from the small flowers on the tip of each stem. Ideal for moist soils and an outstanding addition to any container garden.

Superbus will bloom in late spring into early summer with 2" lemon-yellow buttercup flowers above dark green dissected leaves, this selection is more tolerant of drier soil.

A striking and colorful element for the garden. ‘Golden Queen’ produces 2-3 inch wide, golden-orange, bowl-shaped flowers from late spring into midsummer. They stand in stark contrast against the dark green foliage.

Globeflowers are extremely popular perennials, bursting into color in late spring and early summer. This selection has large, creamy-yellow double flowers on strong upright stems and a nice compact habit. Good vigor. Sometimes called Buttercups, these grow well in a sunny or part-shaded border, also at the edge of a moist woodland. Flowers will last a few days when cut.

Exotic blooms of white are splashed, speckled and edged in rich blue and vivid redviolet hues—fantastic in cut-flower arrangements. Abundant flowers emerge from tidy clumps of swordlike foliage in early summer, attracting beneficial bees to the area…as well as friendly neighbours. Easy to grow and maintain.

Large, lightly ruffled white petals with flashes of lemon yellow in the center on this flat, open flower. Bred in 1885 by V. H. Hallock, a plantsman and breeder from Queens, NY. This heirloom variety was considered ideal for massing.

A well branched foliage plant with brightly colored burgundy leaves that have splashes of hot pink. Very heat tolerant. Gives vibrant eye- catching color all summer long.

Shocking pink and green foliage covers this great looking shade annual. Excellent substitute for impatiens combined with caladiums or begonias. Also great for containers and hanging baskets.

‘Red Threads’ is a slender-leaved selection that doesn't wander, forming a textured carpet in shades of deep burgundy. A single plant makes a mound about 8 inches tall and 14 inches wide. It blooms on and off all year, but you may never notice. The small, pale flower buttons are held in the leaf axils, where they are nearly indistinguishable from the foliage unless you're paying close attention. Use ‘Red Threads’ at the base of taller plants in the border to provide vibrant color echoes or contrasts.

Waikik Sunset produces profuse yellow and green foliage that provides a fabulous setting for brilliant yellow blooms. This plant is a heat lover and makes an excellent pot or hanging basket plant. It is very short growing and very floriferous. This plant can also be used in borders, planters, groundcover, landscape beds, mass plantings, and gardens.

This is a biennial or short-lived perennial just recently introduced to gardens. Flowers are similar to the white Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides) but in a rich burgundy-purple shade with contrasting grey-green leaves. Blooms appear in midsummer. Appreciates even moisture but adapts well to average border conditions. Plants do not spread at the root or become invasive, though they may self seed a little. Should not be confused with the noxious weed Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Wonderful for cutting. Attractive to butterflies. Use gloves when gathering and saving seed, as these have sharp barbs or prickles.

Similar habit to ‘Alexander’ except slightly more compact, and rather than creamy white margins, this sport glistens with its deep golden margins. Same cheery yellow flowers produce a surprisingly nice summer display of yellow on yellow.

Mat-forming, low-creeping groundcover with diminutive, bright green leaves produces purple-blue flowers, spotted red and yellow, in early summer. Withstands moderate foot traffic and competes successfully with grass. Very vigorous selection.

A virtually hassle-free perennial, offering three months of vanilla scented, rose pink flowers in large, compact clusters from midsummer to early fall. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

A virtually hassle-free perennial, offering three months of vanilla-scented, white flowers in clean clusters from midsummer to early fall. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Following the fabulous flowers, typical milkweed seed pods develop which rupture to reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. These are great to use in dried flower arrangements.

This species grows in loose clumps by means of slowly creeping rhizomes. It is not invasive and can safely be mixed in with other perennials in the border. Ascelpias incarnata is native to North America.

Not often seen in gardens, this is a low-growing grass that prefers moist, shady sites. Plants form a dense mound of beautiful chartreuse-yellow foliage in spring, bearing short spikes of green flowers in early summer. A superb companion to spring flowering bulbs of all kinds, also intermingling well with Hostas or ferns. In warm regions this often will go dormant during the summer, so site carefully.

Plants form an upright, bushy clump of green leaves with spikes of soft lavender-pink flowers appearing in late summer and fall. Excellent for cutting. Unlike some other selections of Obedient Plant, this one is not inclined to spread quickly, but makes a well-behaved clump. Prefers rich, moist soil, and will tolerate wet conditions beside a stream or pond.

A dwarf selection of one of our native North American wildflowers. This forms a compact mound, bearing spikes of classy white flowers from midsummer through the fall. Excellent for cutting. The short stature makes this ideal for growing in mixed containers or near the border edge.

A nicely compact form of Egyptian Papyrus, about half the height of King Tut, but with the same large poms on the ends of the stems. Fun and interesting, without being so overwhelmingly huge. With shorter strems than King Tut, Prince Tut is quite sturdy and less likely to have stems flop.

A water garden friendly-grass that can be planted in the landscape as well.

This plant has graced pool sides, ponds, pots, and tubs for hundreds of years. The green foliage actually consists of three-sided or round culms topped by leaf-like bracts that resemble the ribs of an umbrella.

This fun grass-like plant is sure to grab attention where ever you use it. It is a unique thriller in container recipes. It is the smallest of our Papyrus and can be used in smaller combinations where other versions of the plant are too large. It is an excellent item for landscapes, where it can be used in a variety of applications. It's great when grown in a mass or when incorporated with other plants. It also works well at the edge of ponds or in water gardens.

One of the earliest Hardy Hibiscus to flower! 8" bright white flowers have raspberry red eyes that radiate out through the petals. Broad green foliage on red stems make up a well-rounded habit. Thick tuberous roots penetrate deep even the heaviest clay soils, allowing this plant to endure extended periods without water. Likewise, tolerance of mild flooding and prolonged periods of moisture make this the perfect candidate for rain gardens.

The deepest red flowering Hardy Hibiscus we currently. 8" rich, deep velvety red flowers are produced above a tight, upright habit of deep green leaves. A perfect centerpiece for a garden with bright and beautiful colors.

This new Walters Gardens, Inc. Hibiscus introduction is out of this world with its unique foliage and flower color combination. Dark olive green leaves have copper highlights, with the newest leaves emerging coppery purple. The large, maple-like leaves are broadly smooth and form a full, billowy habit. Huge 6-8” flowers open flat and are magenta red in color, more on the pink side of the spectrum than ‘Cranberry Crush’. Each flower has a small, darker red halo with overlapping petals and deeply impressed veins. Flowers are produced from the top to the bottom of the plant, rather than only at the top like some older cultivars.

‘Mars Madness’ is a later blooming Hibiscus and will extend the color of your late summer/early fall garden.

One of our most compact Hardy Hibiscus to date! Despite its scaled down size, 'All Eyes on Me' keeps the trademark massive 8" blooms the plant has become known for. The blushing pink blooms appear from the top to the bottom of a well-rounded habit of dark green leaves. Heavily overlapping petals give the impression the flowers are semi-double, particularly as each bud unfurls.

This hardy perennial fits the need of providing a Hibiscus lineup with greater feminine appeal. Huge 7” wide, ruffled flowers are white with a deep red eye. The edges of the petals are edged with blush pink. Combined with the heavily overlapping petals, this creates a pinwheel effect on the flowers. Attractive, healthy leaves are bright green with slightly serrated edges. A polished, upright habit and extremely high bud count with good axillary branching ensures that this Hibiscus will have a longer season of color, from late summer through early fall. Flowers are produced from the top to the bottom of the plant, rather than just at the top like some other cultivars. ‘Ballet Slippers’ is the perfect backdrop or centerpiece for sunny borders.

‘Evening Rose’ has an excellent combination of hot pink flowers and near black foliage. Eight inch puckered flowers cover the round, dense habit top to bottom. Compared to ‘Berry Awesome’, the foliage is much darker and the flower color is more magenta than lavender. A must have statement piece for your garden!

A new color for the collection and a breakthrough for yellow Hardy Hibiscus. Soft yellow flower buds open to 7-8" creamy custard yellow, ruffled flowers with a prominent red eye. Compared to the industry standard ‘Old Yella’, this Hibiscus retains its yellow color longer, has a more compact habit, has red stems and deeper green, more attractive foliage, and a very prolific floral production.

‘Lilac Crush’ adds a new color to the Summerific® Series and a rare color among Hardy Hibiscus! Lilac flowers open 7-8" wide with overlapping petals of a thick substance. The flowers will have cool tones under low temperature conditions. Similar to ‘Candy Crush’ and fellow newcomer ‘Valentine's Crush’, ‘Lilac Crush’ has an upright, columnar habit that is very sturdy and resists lodging. Maple-like leaves are a rich green.

We’ve come a long way from the tall, open habits of Hibiscus such as ‘Lord Baltimore’. From the Walters Gardens, Inc. Hibiscus hybridizing program is this brand new red-flowering variety. Near-black buds open to huge 7”, scarlet red flowers that shimmer in the sun with a darker red eye. The overlapping petals of ‘Vintage Wine’ have a crinkled texture and open completely with minimal cupping. Flowers are produced from the top to the bottom of the plant, rather than only at the top like some older cultivars.

Dark green, heart-shaped leaves form a densely upright, columnar clump. Use this incredibly dense variety as a focal point in your sun garden. ‘Vintage Wine’ differs from ‘Cranberry Crush’ with the shape of its leaves, the tone of flower color (a warmer red), and the density of its plant habit. Walters Gardens, Inc. is committed to the best genetics, so we have discontinued ‘Fireball’ and ‘Lord Baltimore’ in favor of this improved variety.

Dramatic red flowers bloom late summer to fall. Heat and drought tolerant once established.

Long and curling, spiraling coils of rush-like leaves burst up, out, and sideways from the base of this clumping marsh plant. A true oddity.

Although often grown as a wetland plant, Juncus inflexus is quite drought tolerant once established. Blue Arrows Rush thrives in heat and full sun. It fits perfectly beside a pool, pond, or stream where its reflection captures the mood of an aquatic paradise. Blue Arrows’ soft color and beautiful, upright form make it irresistible in container combos and annual beds. In the wild, Juncus inflexus is found in wet soils along streams, ditches, and on wet, sandy and peaty hillsides. This genus is one of our favorites: Juncus are tough, versatile, and evergreen in most climates ’ they’re versatile plants underused in the trade.

Taller and bluer than the straight species, the drifts of steel blue clumps make a spectacular display in the shade. The softly cascading foliage of Carex Blue Zinger will create a pleasing addition to your garden as it bends and sways with the warm summer breezes. A nice edger.

This sedge has bright gold foliage with thin green margins and is taller than most other varieties. It is an excellent choice as a highlight plant for a shade or water garden. ‘Bowles Golden’ is a moisture loving grass that will grow in shallow water.

Another fabulous EverColor® sedge from Irish plantsman, Pat FitzGerald. This series has produced award-winning best sellers, and this C. morrowii cultivar looks to continue that streak. A Gold Medal winner at Plantarium 2018, ‘Everglow’ offers a fantastic color combo. Crisp, green foliage sports creamy white margins in spring and summer. The edges develop an orange tint in fall and winter, which gives it a warm, overall glow. The foliage resembles long-time favorite, C. morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ with a color bonus! It stays in a neat, upright, easily controlled mound and does not run like ‘Ice Dance’.

This sport of ‘Evergold’ has a similar performance to its parent but with a brilliant, solid gold leaf color. Long, thin arching leaf blades are chartreuse green toward the crown, but turn golden yellow as they are exposed to UV light. Short tan inflorescence appears just above the foliage.

Like ‘Evergold’, this low-growing evergreen sedge can be used in rock gardens or as spillers in containers. For best golden color, plant in a location with morning sun. In deep shade, foliage remains chartreuse. Plant in moist soils. From Pat Fitzgerald.

This selection from the Evercolor® series forms a low, gently arching clump of leathery, deep green leaves with lime green margins. Similar to C. ‘Evergold’ but with improved habit and vigour. Brownish flowers are insignificant. A choice plant for edging, or in the rock garden. Discovered in a tissue culture laboratory in Ireland in August 2006 by Pat FitzGerald of FitzGerald Nurseries of Kilkenny, Ireland. Mutation of C. ‘Evergold’. This is a well-behaved, non-spreading plant. Clumps may be divided in early spring. Tolerates dry shade with occasional watering.

 

Finely textured ornamental grass has an upright, V-shaped habit and adds texture, form and motion to plantings. Red-bronze color looks great mixed with other grasses and plants in containers and beds. It does best in a sunny location. Keep soil on the moist side.

One of the most popular variegated sedges, this selection has creamy-yellow leaves with deep green margins. They cascade softly to the ground in a fountain-like manner. Unlike many other sedges, this one prefers dry to average soil moisture.

 

This carex makes a bold statement in the shade garden. The leaves are dark green with bright white variegated edges. Small, cream, bottlebrush-like flowers are produced in mid-spring but are rather insignificant to the plant's ornamental value.

An outstanding hybrid selection of a native North American wildflower. This forms a low rosette of rounded leaves, bearing upright stems of bright magenta-pink flowers with a yellow center. Flowers are easily twice the size of other selections, with flared-back petals that give each blossom a star-like or rocket ship appearance.

‘Sweet Kate’ has brilliant gold foliage and triangular, violet-blue blossoms with sulphur-yellow stamens that is outstanding even when viewed from a distance.

Triangular, blue-violet blossoms with sulphur-yellow stamens. Each 1-2" wide, 3-petaled flower only lasts for one day, but the plants have lots of buds, extending the bloom time up to eight weeks. The flowers are self-cleaning.

‘Ogon’, Japanese for golden, exhibits delicate fans of upright butter-yellow leaves that add height, structure, and texture to mixed plantings. Mounded, non-invasive rhizome.