Aponogeton distachyos
water hawthorn
A deciduous or partially evergreen aquatic perennial, with elliptic or lance-shaped floating leaves and forked racemes of small, fragrant white flowers with purple anthers, held just above the water surface
Other common names
Cape asparagusCape pondweed
see morehawthorn-scented pondweed
water hyacinth
winter hawthorn
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Aponogetonaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Floating
- Genus
Aponogeton are submerged rhizomatous perennials with simple, floating leaves and small, white flowers in forked racemes or panicles held just above the surface
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild in the REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
Please see cultivation notes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to water snails
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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