Top 5 Aquatic Plants for Cincinnati Water Gardens

The Perfect Plants for Cincinnati’s Weather 

In Cincinnati’s vibrant seasons—from humid summers to freeze-thaw winters—your pond deserves plants that thrive in our Zone 6 climate and clay soils. At Aquatic & Garden Decor, Cincinnati’s trusted pond experts for over 20 years, we’ve selected five low-maintenance aquatic plants that add beauty, balance ecosystems, and handle our heavy rainfall. These dependable, honest picks create a serene backyard oasis year-round, just like our popular waterfall guide. Visit our showroom to explore our full plant selection and get expert advice!

Our Top 5 Aquatic Plants for Cincinnati Ponds

These plants are handpicked to enhance your Cincinnati water garden, reduce algae, support fish, and withstand local conditions. Each includes placement and winter care tips for success.

Black Princess Lily

A derivative of the water lily, the Black Princess Lily is

one of the most recognizable water plants. These are a great addition to any pond because they offer shade on the water’s surface, making it a great place for fish to hide, swim, and be comfortable even in the hottest of summer months. To prepare them for winter, simply trim back the leaves and move them to deeper water where they can better withstand the cold.

Bog Bean

These aquatic plants grow above the water on tall stems, producing star-shaped white flowers with twinges of pink. The Bog Bean is an all-time favorite amongst our water gardeners, not only for its aesthetics but also for the additional surface area it provides, allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive and maintain the cleanliness of your pond. During winter, trim the plant back and move it to a shallower area of your pond.

Imperial Taro

Heart-shaped with black and green leaves, the Imperial Taro adds a touch of exotic charm. It’s perfect as an accent plant along the pond’s edge or as a captivating centerpiece in a container garden. This versatile plant can grow 24″ to 30″ tall and can even be overwintered as a houseplant in colder climates with proper care indoors.

Water Lettuce

These aquatic plants appear like dense floating mats, with many rosettes of fuzzy-soft, pale-green leaves. Beyond their visual appeal, Water Lettuce plays a crucial role in purifying pond water. To prepare for winter, move them to a sheltered area or consider bringing them indoors to avoid freezing.

Hornwort

We can’t get enough of this fluffy underwater bush! With many long branches or side stems, it’s an amazing pond plant, as it helps to add oxygen to the water while also emitting a hormone to help eliminate algae. Hornwort grows well in full sun to full shade and grows in long, branching stems. Hornwort is a free-floating plant, which comes loose and can just be dropped into the water where it will find its own level. It’s quite hardy and can usually withstand the winter months in your pond.

By carefully selecting these pond plants and taking appropriate winter care measures, you can create a thriving and picturesque aquatic ecosystem in your Cincinnati backyard, no matter the season.

Create Your Cincinnati Pond Masterpiece

Ready to elevate your water garden? Visit Aquatic & Garden Decor’s Cincinnati showroom to see these plants in action and get expert advice from our reliable team. Browse our full aquatic plant selection in our showroom or check out our water gardening page for more inspiration!