About
This very rare aquatic native found only in a few pools in southern England. Tiny, inconspicuous, green flowers are produced in summer. Succulent, pale green to red stems up to 30cm tall bear paired, oval, shiny leaves which take on red tones in bright sunlight.
About the genus
A genus of around 82 species of aquatic plants, native to tropical parts of the world with dark green foliage, red stems and yellow flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPonds, water features, bog gardens.
Care notes
CultivationWidely sold as an aquarium plant, and occuring naturally in acid pools, will grow in bog gardens and other fertile, permanently wet soils, or part-submerged in shallow water at the edges of ponds or lakes
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free