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. Suggested uses include low maintenance and ground cover.
About
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae, commonly known as New Zealand pennywort, is a matforming aquatic herbaceous perennial from the Araliaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres and spreads between 0.5 and 1 metre, reaching full size over 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for poorly-drained conditions. It is suitable for south, west, and east-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations. Its season of interest spans spring and summer, and it requires low maintenance.
About the genus
Hydrocotyle, also called floating pennywort, water pennywort, dollar weed, marsh penny, thick-leaved pennywort and white rot, is a genus of prostrate, perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic plants formerly classified in the family Apiaceae, now in the family Araliaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hydrocotyle", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrocotyle
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
- Suggested uses
- Low Maintenance, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to mint rust
Frequently asked questions
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 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae?
Division.
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