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The Best Pond Plants for Attracting and Supporting Frogs in Australia
The Best Pond Plants for Attracting and Supporting Frogs in Australia
on May 04, 2023
If you're looking to create a frog-friendly environment in your garden, adding pond plants is a great place to start.
Not only do they provide shelter and food for frogs, but they also add beauty to your outdoor space.
While we supply far more than 5 species of frog friendly pond plants, we managed to narrow the list down to merely 5!
So, here are the top 5 pond plants that are perfect for attracting and supporting frogs in Australian gardens.
What is the Importance of Attracting Frogs to a Pond?
There is a growing global concern over the dwindling frog populations, which many scientists believe is indicative of environmental troubles. However, you can take action in your own backyard by creating a frog-friendly environment.
Fortunately, Australia boasts numerous species of both ground and tree frogs, and distinguishing between the two is as simple as examining their feet. Ground frogs possess small fingers on their feet, while tree frogs have suction cup-like feet.
Most frogs, particularly those native to our region in Southern NSW, enjoy residing near water. Although they don't spend much time in the water itself, it's a necessary breeding ground for them. Frogs prefer ponds that are surrounded by tall water plants such as Iris and Rush, or Frog grass. If you look carefully, you'll frequently spot them at the base of these plants or even beneath the pond's edging. A frog pond doesn't have to be a massive water body; even a small prefabricated pond or a half wine barrel water feature with plenty of cover and plants can attract frogs to your garden.
Water lilies
Water lilies are a popular choice for pond plants and are also great for attracting and supporting frogs. They provide shade and shelter for frogs, as well as a place for them to lay their eggs. Water lilies also help to oxygenate the water, which is important for the health of the pond ecosystem.
Some of the best water lilies for attracting and supporting frogs in Australia include the hardy water lily species.
Pink Rotala (Rotala roundifolia)
Pink Rotala is a popular pond plant that is known for its vibrant pink color and delicate leaves. It is a great choice for attracting and supporting frogs in Australia as it provides cover and shelter for them.
Pink Rotala also helps to oxygenate the water and can improve the overall health of the pond ecosystem.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 20 inches tall. It is easy to care for and can be propagated by stem cuttings.
Shield Pennywort (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides)
Shield Pennywort, also known as Miniature Marsh Pennywort, is a popular pond plant for attracting and supporting frogs in Australia.
This plant has small, round leaves that float on the surface of the water, providing shade and cover for frogs.
Shield Pennywort also helps to oxygenate the water and can improve the overall health of the pond ecosystem. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 15cm tall. It is easy to care for and can be propagated by division.
Frog Grass (Carex fascicularis)
Frog Grass, also known as Tassel Sedge, is a popular pond plant for attracting and supporting frogs in Australia. This plant has long, thin leaves that grow up to 3 feet tall, providing excellent cover and shelter for frogs.
Frog Grass also helps to stabilise the soil around the pond and can improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be propagated by division or seed. Frog Grass is a great addition to any frog-friendly garden.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)
Brahmi, is a must-have pond plant for supporting the health of frogs in Australia. This plant has small, oval-shaped leaves that float on the surface of the water, providing a resting place for frogs. Brahmi also helps to oxygenate the water and can improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
To improve and add more oxygen to your pond for a healthy habitat, we recommend submerging Brahmi to achieve this. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be propagated by division or cuttings. Adding Brahmi to your pond will not only attract frogs but also support their overall health and well-being.
© weknowwatergardens 2023
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