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Alisma plantago-aquatica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Other common names
deil's spoons
devil's spoons
see morethumbwort
mad dog weed
dŵr-lyriad
Synonyms
Alisma plantago
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical details
Family
Alismataceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Get involved

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