Hottonia palustris
water violet
An aquatic perennial with whorled, feathery submerged leaves and pale purple flowers held above the water in late spring
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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 | Pink Purple | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Submerged
- Genus
Hottonia are submerged aquatic perennials with finely pinnatisect leaves and erect stems bearing whorls of primula-like, lilac or white flowers in a terminal racemes
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant directly in the margins, or in baskets in a pool of clear, still or very slow moving water in full sun. Mature plants can grow in up to 60cm of water. A good oxygenator. See pond plants for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or by seed; plants sometimes produce resting buds that sink to the bottom to overwinter, then produce new growth in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flase leaf-mining midge. Filamentous algae may smother foliage
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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