Potentilla palustris (Marsh cinquefoil)

Potentilla palustris (Marsh cinquefoil) is another very useful native plant for forming a shading raft at the pond edge, the red stems produce bluish green dissected and crimped leaves and pretty nodding maroon flowers. Not at all invasive and well suited to smaller ponds. It’s a bit leggy to start with, but eventually forms a multi-branching low canopy. One of my favourites.