The International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society annually polls aquatic-plant experts around the world to build a list of candidates in the running for its pond plants of the year.

These plants  in three categories including tropical waterlilies, hardy waterlilies and marginal plants  are suitable for ponds, backyard water gardens and koi habitats.

Aquatic plants are typically planted in plastic containers and submerged in backyard ponds. Vendors provide recommended depths.

For different plants, as well as sun requirements. Aquatic plants are fertilized with tablets inserted into the pots' soil.