Overview
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae is a matforming, submerged, floating aquatic in the genus Hydrocotyle, part of the Araliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance.
About
Hydrocotyle novae-zealandiae is a perennial plant that thrives in aquatic or marginal environments. It features elongated, creeping stems that create a dense mat of small, rounded leaves characterized by scalloped margins, reaching widths of up to 1 meter. In spring or summer, it may produce small greenish flowers sporadically.
About the genus
This genus comprises aquatic or semi-aquatic plants that typically thrive in environments such as ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, and occasionally along coastal regions. These plants produce sprawling mats of elongated, creeping stems and bear clusters of upright flower spikes that display hues ranging from pale green to pink.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrocotyle
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming, Submerged, Floating
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun or partial shade, in moisture-retentive soils in bog gardens or at pond margins, or grow shallowly submerged in water up to 25cm deep. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- Cut back regularly to control spread
- Propagation
- Propagate by division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to mint rust
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae?
Grow in full sun or partial shade, in moisture-retentive soils in bog gardens or at pond margins, or grow shallowly submerged in water up to 25cm deep. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae?
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae need?
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae?
Cut back regularly to control spread.
How big does Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae grow?
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae hardy in the UK?
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae?
Propagate by division.