Overview

Hydrocotyle is a matforming, submerged, floating aquatic in the genus Hydrocotyle, part of the Araliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hydrocotyle grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include bog gardens and pond margins.

About

Hydrocotyle, commonly known as pennywort or water navelwort, is a genus of aquatic or semi-aquatic herbaceous perennials in the Araliaceae family. These plants form sprawling mats with elongated, creeping stems and clusters of upright flower spikes that range in colour from pale green to pink. They thrive in poorly-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand, and prefer full sun to partial shade in east, south, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for bog gardens and pond margins, Hydrocotyle is hardy to UK zone H4 and is best propagated by division using aquatic compost.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hydrocotyle

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Poorly-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Hydrocotyle size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Aquatic, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Matforming, Submerged, Floating

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Bog gardens, Pond margins

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hydrocotyle

Propagation

Division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to mint rust

Frequently asked questions