All bog plants prefer full sunlight. Those that tolerate partial sun are so noted in their descriptions. Your plants will become tall with weak stems in lower light conditions if they are not suited to less sunlight.

The top soil you will need should be a good quality, heavy clay-loam mixture. Do not use subsoil. Avoid commercial potting mixtures, as they contain lightweight soil amendments that will float when placed in the pond.

Use a planting container that is as large as you can comfortably fit in the space you have. Larger containers will produce larger plants.

Fertilization will determine the rate of growth and the lushness of the foliage. Excessive feeding will cause the plant to grow very large. Feed most bog plants one to three times per growing season using fertilizer tablets or spikes.

Keep dead or dying leaves pinched off for the best appearance. Remove dead flowers to prevent seed production and to boost continued blooming on most varieties.

Water depth varies according to the plant species, see their descriptions. Winter care sometimes requires you to place the pot below the freeze-line during winter for hardy plants, and to take tropical varieties indoors or to a greenhouse.

Bog plants with floating leaves (just like water lilies) will not tolerate turbulence around their leaves, they need quieter water. Vertical plants do well in moving water as well as in still water, and also make good bank stabilizers on soil pond banks.

This widely varied group of plants gives vertical interest in many textures and sizes. Extend your flowering season or add a lush, feel to any water garden. Available in hardy and tropical, this group of plants will provide an added dimension to the pond.