About
Alisma lanceolatum is a perennial aquatic plant that thrives in shallow water, with its roots anchored below the surface while its leaves and flowers extend above. This species typically reaches a height of 70 cm and spans about 25 cm in width. Its leaves are lance-shaped, measuring between 12 and 40 cm in length and 1 to 3 cm in width, arranged in a rosette at the base. Submerged leaves are generally smaller and exhibit fewer veins. From June through August, it produces clusters of small, three-petalled flowers that are pinkish-purple in hue, arranged in circular formations along branching stems, with blooms opening in the morning.
About the genus
Alisma consists of herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes and thrive in moist environments. They feature rosettes of elongated, elliptic leaves that are borne on long stalks. In spring, the plants produce open clusters of small flowers, which can be white or pink.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Aquatic
- Habit
- Submerged, Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- 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
- Pruning
- Deadhead regularly in order to prevent problems from self-seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by rhizome division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free