Pond Plant Spotlight: Variegated Water Celery
Apr 19th 2024
Variegated water celery is an outstanding plant, especially near the edges of water features, waterfalls or stream beds. It can be contained within the bio filter and the upper region of the pond where it can grow a trail to the waterfalls.
Water celery is distinctive for the variegated leaves it has, which are white, green and pink in color. These colors have prompted some to nickname it rainbow parsley. It is ideal for container style water gardens, and during summer the leaves which are red in color will turn pink, reverting back by fall. This plant performs best when it is given access to lots of sunlight in soil that is moist and water that is no more than two inches in depth. These plants will grow to a height of six inches and are hardy when located in zones ranging from five to eleven. Water celery is less aggressive than its cousin water parsley, but can grow rapidly, extending over smaller ponds during the summer months.
This plant is vibrant in color, low spreading and as such is prized within water gardens, particularly those which are submerged partially along the margins. Its leaflets are serrated and will produce tips which are pink and beautiful. By the middle of summer you should see small white flowers that will bloom within umbels. It is for this reason that some name it a Flamingo Plant. Many owners of koi ponds like it since it serves as a healthy snack for their fish. Experts recommend the rotation of dual planters, one of which is kept inside your pond for the koi, and the other which is separated from the fish so it is allowed to regrow which allows for a continuous supply.
Water celery is perfect for vegetative type filters. When gravel rooted it will grow fast, consuming lots of nutrients during its growth cycle. It will produce an assortment of white colored flowers by the end of August and butterflies, moths and bees will be attracted to it. Unlike some plants variegated water celery can handle moving water to a degree. However, pond fish will consume it whenever they come into contact with it. This plant is very strong in terms of growth and can quickly take over a pond, and may extend beyond it onto dry land. This can become a problem if it is not properly managed.
While many consider variegated water celery to be a stunning ornamental plant, its rapid growth means that one must exercise care when planting it, and account for its spread. When this plant is positioned correctly, it is outstanding for ground coverage and is the plant of choice when designing bog filters. Variegated water celery will grow most rapidly in soil that is wet, which is directly beneath the sun, in zones which range from six to eleven.
Plant Characteristics
Water celery is distinctive for the variegated leaves it has, which are white, green and pink in color. These colors have prompted some to nickname it rainbow parsley. It is ideal for container style water gardens, and during summer the leaves which are red in color will turn pink, reverting back by fall. This plant performs best when it is given access to lots of sunlight in soil that is moist and water that is no more than two inches in depth. These plants will grow to a height of six inches and are hardy when located in zones ranging from five to eleven. Water celery is less aggressive than its cousin water parsley, but can grow rapidly, extending over smaller ponds during the summer months.
This plant is vibrant in color, low spreading and as such is prized within water gardens, particularly those which are submerged partially along the margins. Its leaflets are serrated and will produce tips which are pink and beautiful. By the middle of summer you should see small white flowers that will bloom within umbels. It is for this reason that some name it a Flamingo Plant. Many owners of koi ponds like it since it serves as a healthy snack for their fish. Experts recommend the rotation of dual planters, one of which is kept inside your pond for the koi, and the other which is separated from the fish so it is allowed to regrow which allows for a continuous supply.
How To Use Water Celery In Your Pond
Water celery is perfect for vegetative type filters. When gravel rooted it will grow fast, consuming lots of nutrients during its growth cycle. It will produce an assortment of white colored flowers by the end of August and butterflies, moths and bees will be attracted to it. Unlike some plants variegated water celery can handle moving water to a degree. However, pond fish will consume it whenever they come into contact with it. This plant is very strong in terms of growth and can quickly take over a pond, and may extend beyond it onto dry land. This can become a problem if it is not properly managed.
While many consider variegated water celery to be a stunning ornamental plant, its rapid growth means that one must exercise care when planting it, and account for its spread. When this plant is positioned correctly, it is outstanding for ground coverage and is the plant of choice when designing bog filters. Variegated water celery will grow most rapidly in soil that is wet, which is directly beneath the sun, in zones which range from six to eleven.
