Menyanthes trifoliata
bogbean
A marginal aquatic plant, forming wide mats with leaves held just above the water, and pale pink flowers 2.5cm across, in erect racemes to 25cm in height, in summer
Other common names
bean trefoilbeck bean
see morebitterwort
bog hop
bog myrtle
bog nut
bog trefoil
brook bean
buckbean
marsh clover
marsh trefoil
water shamrock
water trefoil
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Menyanthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Menyanthes is an aquatic, rhizomatous perennial of shallow water, with leaves composed of 3 broadly elliptic or ovate leaflets, and star-shaped flowers with fringed petals
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in baskets in a large pond in water up to 25cm deep, or grow in muddy pool margins. Grow in full sun to encourage flowering. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division of rhizomes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.