Curled Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) - Wildlife-Friendly Native Submerged Pond Plant (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A robust UK-native submerged plant, Potamogeton crispus (Curled Pondweed) has distinctive crinkled, translucent leaves on flat, branching stems. It grows strongly in cool seasons, often greening up early in spring, then easing off as water warms. Underwater stands provide excellent cover and nursery habitat for tadpoles, newts and fry, while helping soak up spare nutrients as part of a balanced planting. Tiny summer flower spikes may reach the surface, but the plant is mostly about submerged structure. Best for medium to large ponds where you want natural underwater architecture that’s easy to thin by hand.

Where it thrives

• Light: Sun to partial shade (best density with good light)

• Water/Depth: Still to slow-moving water; typically 30-100 cm below the surface in garden ponds

Planting & care

• Supplied as bunches/portions. Simply sink to position - no basket required

• Starter guide: 1-2 bunches per m² of pond surface; in new or fishy ponds you can start higher and thin later

• Let total underwater plant mass reach no more than one-third of pond volume; hand-thin and compost excess through the season

• Expect vigorous cool-season growth (spring), easing off in mid/late summer; remove dieback to keep water clear

Safety (important & honest):
Not for consumption; do not ingest. Wash hands after pond work. Never release plants or pond water into natural waterways.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Curled Pondweed is brilliant submerged habitat and a steady nutrient user, but like all plants it won’t “fix” green water by itself. Aim for a mixed planting (marginals + some surface shade) and low nutrient input for clear, living water.

Joel says…
“Think of it as the pond’s scaffolding - early, reliable underwater structure that gives youngsters somewhere to hide. Use modest amounts, keep it to a third of the pond, and thin when it’s doing too well.”