Umbrella
Palm
 |
The umbrella palm is a great accent to any pond or patio, and also makes an excellent house plant.
This is a very popular plant which can reach a height of 3' to 4' tall, best in zones 9-11.
The green stems with green "fronds" shaped like umbrellas grow in full to partial sun, and preferring a depth of between 1 and 6 inches of water.
If your pond is small or space is tight, the dwarf umbrella is an excellent choice because it reaches a height of only 2' or less.
The dwarf variety, known as Gracilis, grows in zones 7-11 requiring a bit more sun than its larger counterpart.
Plant in one gallon containers now, to a depth of 0-6 inches and you will have lush green fronds by the end of the season.
The palm can self sow, becoming a weed if not kept in check in the warmer climates, thus planting in pots will contain these plants if you live in subtropical or tropical conditions.
When winter comes and the plant has frozen, remove all of the foliage, add mulch, or bring indoors and in the spring, the plant will come back.
Whatever plant you choose is sure to be a winner when placed on the edge of your garden pond.