Pontederia cordata
pickerel weed
A marginal aquatic perennial to 1.2m, forming a clump of erect, lance-shaped or ovate, bright green leaves to 18cm in length, with dense erect spikes, to 15cm in length, of small tubular deep blue flowers in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Pontederiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Pontederia are herbaceous perennials from marginal aquatic habitats, forming clumps of erect, linear or lance-shaped leaves, with 2-lipped blue flowers in dense terminal spikes in late summer and early autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eastern N America to Caribbean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in baskets of fertile loam, in shallow water (10-12cm deep) and in full sun. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring as growth starts or propagate by seed sown in containers as soon as ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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