Alisma plantago-aquatica![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
water plantain
A marginal aquatic perennial, forming rosettes of grey-green leaves to 30cm in length, with tall panicles of white flowers to 1.5cm across in late spring
Synonyms
Alisma plantago![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0034602_3654.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Alismataceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Alisma are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials from wet habitats, with basal rosettes of long-stalked, elliptic leaves and open panicles of small white or pink flowers in spring
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow at pond margins in water up to 30cm deep. Deadhead regularly in order to prevent problems from self-seeding. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by rhizome division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Deadhead regularly in order to prevent problems from self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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