Overview
Aponogeton distachyos is a floating aquatic in the genus Aponogeton, part of the Aponogetonaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Up to 10 cm tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Aponogeton distachyos grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include aquatic gardens, ponds and aquariums. It is native to S Africa (Cape).
About
Aponogeton distachyos is an aquatic perennial that is either deciduous or semi-evergreen. It features floating leaves that are either elliptic or lanceolate in shape. Above the water, it produces forked racemes adorned with small, fragrant white flowers that have purple anthers.
About the genus
Aponogeton consists of aquatic perennials that grow from rhizomes, featuring straightforward, floating leaves. These plants produce small white flowers that emerge in branched racemes or panicles, rising slightly above the water's surface.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aponogeton
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Aponogeton distachyos size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic
- Habit
- Floating
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Aquatic gardens, Ponds, Aquariums
- Native to
- S Africa (Cape)
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aponogeton distachyos
- 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
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to water snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Aponogeton distachyos?
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.
Where is the best place to plant Aponogeton distachyos?
Aponogeton distachyos prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Aponogeton distachyos need?
Aponogeton distachyos is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How big does Aponogeton distachyos grow?
Aponogeton distachyos reaches a height of Up to 10 cm and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Aponogeton distachyos hardy in the UK?
Aponogeton distachyos has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Aponogeton distachyos?
Please see cultivation notes.