Struggling with Pickerelweed — would appreciate advice

I want to be honest: I'm not getting great results with Pickerelweed and I'm not entirely sure why. blanketweed algae competing for nutrients in established ponds has been a recurring problem despite my attempts to address it. I've been focusing on planting in aquatic baskets with specialist pond compost based on everything I've read.

essential habitat and breeding ground for pond wildlife is there in glimpses, which tells me the plant has potential in my conditions. I have it in a half-barrel water garden for a small patio which might not be ideal. first leaf pads emerging at the water surface in spring showed some improvement. Two stars for now — not the plant's fault, but not a success yet. I'll update if things improve.