plants around ponds

[GaryofMontreal]

I have a small (30 gallon) preformed pond that I installed in a new location yesterday. I have set it up with a ten gallon reservoir filter made from a plastic box with appropriate drilling. It is not attractive, but then again, newly installed ponds rarely are.
I'm looking for a bushy flowering perennial that gets to around 2 feet high to plant around it to hide the filter. I want something that grows fairly quickly. Any suggestions?

[ron bruce]

Gary, is your location sunny and will the ground be moist? There are many different type of Siberian or Louisiana Iris that would love the spot... perhaps a Monarda (Beebalm).

If it's sunny and not moist then there are many other possibilities. Rudbeckia, Purple Coneflowers, Powis Castle or Silver Mound Artemisia, certain varieties of perennial Geranium or how about a nice re-blooming daylily? Some of the heights may not quite be where you want.

Not sure what your zone is so you'll have to check on that as well.

If you mean more like a shrub than Potentilla shrubs offer season long bloom. Spirea are always very nice too and you could get one with either green or coloured foliage or pick one of the types of Weigela to bring in the hummingbirds (if they are in your area).

Moist, shady perennials would include various Ligularia and they are a beautiful plant and come in various heights, leaf colours and shapes. Pick a dwarf one though. :yes:

Moist, shade for shrub types would include short Hydrangeas, short azaleas or rhodos. Again you'll need to make sure you pick types hardy for your area.

[CACAdmin]

Another option (not so pretty as a bushy plant) would be to get a hollow rock to cover it... maybe even a flat one to sit on by the pond to watch the fish (that is if hollow fake rocks are strong enough to support someone's weight).

Here are some links as to what's available in hollow fake rocks:

http://www.fauxrocks.ca/complete-product-line.php
http://www.rockandwater.com/HTM%20Files/hollow_rocks.htm

Of course, if you felt so inclined, you could make one of your own. :wink:

[Laura]

I vote for lillies.

[ron bruce]

Oops, I assumed the filter was not in the pond now if it's in the pond.... ::(:

[Laura]

I meant terrestrial lillies - I assumed the filter is out of the pond.

[Edgezilla]

Direct Sunlight or partial shade
Tall variety Peony. They can reach 20" tall. Won't be bushy till 2nd year.
Iris - There are some that reaches 20" tall.
Day lily, Torch lily, leaves aren't too tall, but the blooms are. Not sure if they can handle Montreal weather.
Large Poppy (not sure if they can handle the weather)

Shade
Toad lily - they flower in fall
large variety Hosta
Arisaema consangineum
Arisaema tortuosum

I don't have the scientific names off hand, but I can look for you in the yard if you need them.

Toad lily 'tojen'
http://members.shaw.ca/elui/flowers/toadlily_tojen.jpg

Toad lily (unconfirmed)
http://members.shaw.ca/elui/flowers/toadlily_bluewonder.jpg

[Melody]

I have nothing useful to add, but those shots are beautiful!

[OldMan]

While we are listing our favorite plants that only get about 2 feet high but last most of the season, don't forget the peonies. They will give you a short bloom in spring with lots of cut flowers and make a very nice green bushy shape the rest of the summer.

[Edgezilla]

If you can find Hosta 'Sunpower' in your area, they can handle direct sunlight and reach 20" easily. gorgeous looking plant. Don't have any, and don't have the room for more hosta. There is a couple places in Lower mainland, BC with them. Pretty steep price for hosta.