About
Menyanthes trifoliata, the bogbean, is an aquatic or marginal perennial producing glossy, three-leaflet leaves held above the water and erect racemes to 25 cm of white, fringed, star-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer. An attractive and ornamental native plant for the shallow margins of ponds and streams.
About the genus
Menyanthes is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial with three-leaflet leaves held above the water and star-shaped, fringed, white flowers in spring. Native to shallow water and bog margins across the Northern Hemisphere.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationGrow in baskets in a large pond in water up to 25cm deep, or grow in muddy pool margins. Grow in full sun to encourage flowering. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free