Make a Container Water Garden

By Judy Stout

Creating a water garden in a container is an excellent way to bring the beauty of aquatic plants into your home or garden without needing a lot of space. Even if your “garden” is a balcony, deck, or patio you probably have room for some water plants.

Containers for a Water Garden

Choosing the right size container is the first step for creating your container water garden. You’ll need a container that securely holds water. A planter with drainage holes can be adapted for water plants but you will need to cover the drainage holes using some type of sealant such as waterproof tape, caulk, or patching material. There are a number of ways to do this depending on the size of the holes in your pot, so you’ll need to do a little research to find the simplest way to block the hole in your pot.

Ideally, you’ll want to select a container that holds at least 5 gallons (19 l) of water to provide ample space for both plants and aquatic life if you’re adding fish. As you increase the size of the container you also increase the diversity of the plants you can include, as well as create a better ecological balance among your plants.

There are many suitable containers available for sale at garden centers or online that are in the range of 24” (61 cm) diameter with a depth of 12-18” (30-45 cm). This is an ideal size for a small water garden. A container 12” (30 cm) or deeper will allow you to grow water plants that need more root space as well as enough depth to add submerged potted plants.

Remember you could also use multiple containers of either the same size or a variety of sizes, for example a trio of three different containers, to create a larger overall design using water plants.

Lining a Container to Prevent Water Loss

A PVC or rubber liner can make just about any container suitable for a water garden. The only limitation would be a container that is not sturdy enough to support the weight of the water, such as reed or wicker.

You can look for preformed plastic liners to insert into a container or get a roll of fish pond liner and cut it to the size you need. Keep in mind that you may need to secure this liner in some way inside the container if the weight of the water isn’t enough to keep the liner from falling inward.

Just about any container that holds water may be used to create a water garden. Unsuitable containers would be any container that previously contained harsh chemicals, rusting metal, or weak seams where water may leak. Clay is porous so water will permeate and evaporate away more quickly. A glazed terra cotta pot that fully seals the exterior of the pot should be okay.

For potted plants that need to have their root zone submerged in water you can use smaller clay or plastic pots to set into the larger pot, or you could use fabric grow bags. In fact, there are flexible fabric bags for aquatic plants designed specifically for potted water plants. The idea is that the plant receives optimal water flow throughout the root zone.

Porous pots can be painted on the interior with a sealant. You will probably want to apply at least two layers for a tight seal.

A few ideas for unconventional containers for your water garden include:

• Half whisky barrel
• Galvanized tub
• Repurposed fish aquarium
• Plastic tub
• Repurposed bird bath
• Galvanized water trough

Supplies for a Container Water Garden

There are several sources for water plants. Many garden centers stock water plants seasonally, shops that install ponds or other water features may carry plants, pet stores carry aquatic plants, or you may order plants online.   

Unless your water garden is composed of just floating plants, there are a few extra supplies you may need to set up your ideal water garden design.

• Bricks to stack into platforms to place potted plants at different heights under the water. Incorporating plants of different heights will result in a more interesting design with visual depth.
• Aquatic soil if repotting any plants. (Aquatic soil can be purchased premixed or made from a mixture of clay, sand, and peat).
• Aquatic plant fertilizer tablets. Occasional feeding will help keep larger water plants green and healthy, especially if you live in a mild, warm climate where many water plants grow quickly and over a long season.

Container Water Garden Design

This container water garden design layout is just one idea for creating a water garden that is small and yet has an interesting variety of plants. This assortment of plants would be suitable for a container measuring at least 22” (56 cm) in diameter.

Download a printable PDF

Plant list for this water garden design suggestion:

• Water lettuce
• Duck weed
• Water lily
• Miniature Cattail (potted)
• European Water Clover (potted)

Part of the fun of a water garden is the ability to easily rearrange or replace plants to achieve just the look you want. If this combination isn’t to your liking, just look for different water plants of similar size and exchange them based on the diagram.

Choosing Plants for a Small Water Garden

Native Range, Light and Water Conditions

Creating a thriving container water garden requires careful consideration of light and water conditions, as well as selecting the right plants that will flourish in this unique environment. When choosing plants for your container water garden, it’s helpful to understand their native range, which indicates where they naturally thrive and helps ensure they will adapt well to your local climate.

Plant Height

Plant height is another crucial factor; selecting a mix of tall and short plants can create visual interest while ensuring that each plant receives adequate light. Most aquatic plants prefer full sun to partial shade, so be mindful of the sunlight exposure in your chosen location.

Bloom Season

Bloom season varies among different species, with some flowering in early spring while others may bloom throughout the summer or fall. Understanding these seasonal patterns will allow you to plan for continuous blooms, adding beauty to your garden throughout the year.

Water Depth, Temperature Tolerance, Soil Type

Lastly, cultural needs such as water depth, temperature preferences, and soil type must be taken into account when setting up your container water garden. Some plants thrive in shallow water while others require deeper settings; thus, it’s vital to match each plant’s cultural needs with the conditions of your container setup for optimal growth and health.

By considering these factors—native range, plant height, bloom season, and cultural needs—you can create a vibrant and sustainable container water garden that brings joy and tranquility to your outdoor space.

Plants for a Container Water Garden

The following plants are popular for use in container water gardens and small ponds. Choose a combination of floating plants and potted plants to give your container a lush look.

Floating Plants

Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides)

Water poppy is a showy aquatic plant with pale yellow poppy-like flowers that appear all summer long. Each three-petaled bloom lasts only a day, but plants will keep flowering well into September. The foliage looks like the leaves of a little waterlily floating on the water surface. This is a fast grower and a single plant can quickly cover an area 5’ (1.5m) in diameter. Grows well in the shallows of lakes and ponds. Excellent for quick cover in large ponds, or as a water lily substitute in small container water gardens.

American Frogbit (Limnobium spongia)

American frogbit is a North American native plant found mainly in the Southeast, in swamps or areas with stagnant or slow-moving water. This plant can be found floating on water or rooted in the shallows. The foliage has a dense texture with thick leathery leaves that form a rosette of round to heart-shaped leaves. The leaves have spongy, enlarged cells on the undersides that allow them to float. Plants may form a dense mat of foliage that can crowd out other plants over time. The flowers are not showy and appear from summer to early fall.

Common Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes)

Common water hyacinth is a free-floating aquatic plant found in nature on rivers and streams in tropical Brazil. Plants have feathery root systems that provide shelter for small water creatures. Spoon-like, rounded leaves with bulbous inflated stems that provide the plant’s ability to float. The spikes of showy purple flowers are followed by capsules filled with seeds. Grows well in the shallows of lakes and ponds. Best grown using a pond liner or in a container water garden where the plant’s spread can be controlled.

Common Duckweed (Lemna minor)

Common duckweed gets its name because it is an important food source for waterfowl and fish. It can be found in nature in ponds, lakes and other fresh waterways where the water remains relatively still or slow-moving. This charming little bright green, free-floating plant spreads quickly to cover water surfaces and makes a nice filler in a contained water space such as a container or pond where it can also discourage algae growth.

Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

Water lettuce is a lovely free-floating water plant found in tropical regions throughout the world where it grows in ponds, lakes or other fresh waterways where in water that is relatively still or slow-moving. Water lettuce produces a rosette of velvety, deeply ribbed leaves that resemble a head of loose-leaf lettuce. Beneath the foliage long feathery roots dangle in the water providing shelter for small water creatures. Plants are perennial in frost-free climates. Place in large containers on a deck or patio. Grows well in the shallows of lakes and ponds.

Water Lily (Nymphaea species)

Water lilies are the crown jewel of water plants. Their elegant blooms and large floating leaves add a magical touch to the landscape. Place in large containers on a deck or patio, garden pools, ponds or lakes. Floating water plants discourage algae growth by shading the water and blocking out the sunlight algae needs to thrive.

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Plants to Grow in Pots Submerged in Water

Miniature Cattail (Typha minima)

Miniature cattail is a petite species with narrow grass-like leaves and rounded, dark brown flower spikes. This is a water-loving perennial plant that has male and female flowers on the same cattail. It’s native to Europe and Asia but can be found growing throughout the world. Can be used in container water gardens for a patio or deck. Perfect for use in swampy areas and wet areas around ponds, lakes and streams.

European Water Clover, Pepperwort (Marsilea quadrifolia)

Water clover is a charming plant with compound leaves that resemble four-leaf clovers. This is a perennial aquatic fern native to Europe but now naturalized throughout the world. In nature, the roots (rhizomes) anchor in the muddy shallow sediment of ponds and lakes while the leaves float lazily at or just above the water level. Plants will also grow happily in wet soil.

Juncus, Rush (Juncus species)

Juncus provides the same design effect as other ornamental grasses, but with a lot more substance and definition because the blades are tubular rather than flat. Varieties are also available with very decorative, curling “corkscrew” foliage. Thrives in constantly wet areas. Perfect for containers, damp garden areas, or waterside plantings.

Japanese Iris (Iris ensata)

Japanese iris is an elegant selection that makes a beautiful showpiece in the garden. Bold vertical, sword-like foliage adds dramatic lines and texture to the landscape. Thrives in constantly wet areas where most plants would fail. Especially nice in waterside gardens. Good in containers placed into shallow water. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.

Common Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata)

The leaves of the common pickerel plant grow vertically out of the water creating a dramatic effect. Spikes of densely packed blue flowers are an added bonus. The seeds are eaten by surface-feeding waterfowl. This is a native North American plant found in marshy areas with shallow water. Especially nice in waterside gardens along a pond or stream. Can be grown in large container water gardens.  

Broadleaf Arrowhead, Duck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)

The broadleaf arrowhead plant is a beautiful choice for constantly wet soils. It may also be grown in an individual container submerged in up to 12″ (30cm) of water. Large, arrow shaped leaves are complimented by tri-petaled white blooms in summer. Spent flowers should be removed if self-seeding is not desirable. Perfect for use in swampy areas and areas around ponds, lakes and streams. Especially nice in waterside gardens. Good in containers placed into shallow water.

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Potted Plants for Height

Dwarf Papyrus (Cyperus profiler)

Charming dwarf papyrus is perfect for container water gardens on a deck, balcony, or patio. Thrives in constantly wet areas where most plants would fail. Adds a nice vertical line and great texture planted among other water-loving plants. Appropriate near water and in damp woodland settings. Perfect for use in swampy areas and areas around ponds, lakes and streams. Good in containers placed into shallow water.

Variegated Sweet Flag ‘Variegatus’ (Acorus calamus)

The green and creamy white, striped, slender foliage of variegated sweet flag provides wonderful color contrast in the landscape. Plants hold their color throughout the entire year. Pale green flower spikes are not ornamentally significant. Thrives in constantly wet areas where most plants would fail. Can be used in container water gardens or allowed to spread as a ground cover along the shores of ponds, lakes, or other boggy locations.

Dwarf Cyperus ‘Gracilis’ (Cyperus alternifolius)

The dwarf cyperus ‘Gracilis’ is more compact the other cyperus, but has the same airy, umbrella-like leaf clusters. A slightly more upright habit also adds to its ability to fit well into smaller spaces. Makes a great houseplant! Appropriate near water and in damp woodland settings. Perfect for use in swampy areas and areas around ponds, lakes and streams. Good in containers placed into shallow water.

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Container Water Garden Maintenance

Caring for a water garden involves some regular maintenance to ensure the health of both plants and any fish you might introduce.

Light

Water plants grow best with a minimum of six hours of light daily. If you live in an especially hot climate you may want to position your container where it gets direct sun exposure early in the day and is protected from the hottest sun in the afternoon.

Replenishing the Water

It’s helpful to change about 10-20% of the water weekly to maintain quality. Water will also evaporate and need to be replenished. Because of the chlorine in tap water, which can be harmful to plants, you can either collect rainwater for your water plants or run tap water into a bucket or watering can and allow it to sit overnight. The chlorine will evaporate from the water with time.

Feeding Water Plants

The same fertilizers designed for small ponds may also be used for your container garden. They’re a way to provide your plants with essential nutrients that can’t be obtained from just water. It may be necessary to reduce the application rate depending on whether you choose a tablet, liquid, or fertilizer spikes. Use the product information as your guide to the proper application method and how often to feed.

Control Excess Organic Matter and Algae Growth

Algae growth is encouraged by excessive sunlight, stagnant water, overfertilization, or too few plants to compete with the algae. To help keep algae growth under control be sure to replace part of the water weekly.

Surface algae growth, or algae growing on the inside of the container, can be removed and disposed of manually. A fine-mesh aquarium net can be helpful for scooping up any large areas of algae.

Excess fertilizer can encourage algae growth. Be sure to follow fertilizer directions carefully to ensure you’re not applying more than is necessary and fueling algae growth.

A small solar-powered water fountain, such as those designed for bird baths, can be used in larger container water gardens to help recirculate water. The sound of moving water is a soothing bonus.

Remove organic debris from the water. This includes leaves or other debris from nearby trees or shrubs that fall on the water surface, as well as dead plant parts from the plants in your container. Older leaves will naturally die as your water plants grow, so you’ll want to just trim those off as needed and discard them.

Shade discourages the growth of algae so be sure your container water garden has enough floating plants to shade the water. Duck weed is a good plant choice for creating shade. It can spread to cover the water surface without crowding other plants.

Small fish, such as goldfish, can help reduce algae by feeding on it, but adding fish to your container will result in more maintenance. Fish will need to be fed, they produce waste, and they require more attention to overall water quality and pH balance.

Overgrown plants can contribute too much organic material to a container. Most water plants can easily be reduced in size, particularly if they spread via runners that you can just clip apart. Potted plants should be removed, divided, and a small section repotted to return to your water garden. 

Water Gardens and Wildlife

When cultivating a water garden, the same insect pests that affect plants in larger bodies of water, may visit plants in your container water garden as well. Insects can stunt plant growth by feeding on sap or foliage, also leading to weakened stems, foliage with holes or brown spots, and reduced blooms on flowering plants. Regular monitoring of your water garden plants for signs of insect pests and taking proactive steps can help prevent damage that can significantly impact a plant’s health.

Don’t be surprised to see the occasional frog visiting your container water garden looking for water and insects.

Although unlikely with a small container water garden, it is possible that a container with fish could attract raccoons or even raptors such as hawks or owls interested in feeding.

Perhaps one of the biggest concerns with any water feature is the potential for encouraging mosquitos. Water plays an important role in the life cycle of mosquitos when the larvae emerge from their eggs. The larvae live in the water until they develop into adults. Mosquitos prefer stagnant water so by keeping the water clean and refreshed this will help discourage mosquitos. Mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) are also a safe way to control mosquito larvae.

Winter Care for a Water Container Garden

When it comes to maintaining a container water garden during the winter months, understanding the specific needs of your aquatic plants is essential.

Consider the native range of your plants; aquatic species that thrive in warmer climates and may require special care to survive colder temperatures. During colder months, tropical plants will need to be brought indoors. Warmer regions may still need to insulate the container if cold snaps are a possibility.

If all plants will be brought indoors for the winter, drain the water from the container and store it in a shed or garage, or cover so that water won’t accumulate and freeze.

Hardy water plants will likely enter dormancy during winter. You can trim back any dead foliage in preparation for winter but be cautious not to disturb the roots too much. Because the roots of plants growing in a container are more vulnerable to the cold, you may need to relocate your container to a more sheltered area, protected from the brunt of freezing winds or even add a water heater to prevent the water from freezing solid.

If you have fish in your container you may need to remove them to an indoor tank. Unless you live in a region with frost-free winters, or have the means to keep the water suitably warm and aerated, your fish may not survive the winter.

Most aquatic plants prefer still water and adequate sunlight even during winter months. If possible, place your container in a location that receives some sunlight while protecting it from harsh winds and freezing temperatures.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your container water garden remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.

More Ways to Garden in Containers

Container gardening is a great way to enjoy a variety of different plants in a small space or in paved areas where a traditional garden isn’t an option. Learn more about the possibilities for growing plants in containers for beauty, food, or to support pollinators in our collection of articles, All About Container Gardening.