About
A deciduous, moisture-loving, spreading perennial with divided, toothed grey-green leaves with cream margins flushed with pink. Clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers are produced in late summer.
About the genus
Oenanthe are perennials with a preference for damp ground, marshes or water. Hollow stems are shiny and can grow up to 2m tall. Leaves are triangular, shiny and bright green and flowers are arranged in small white clusters. Brown, rugby-shaped seeds follow the flowers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bogs, Aquatic
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPonds, water features, bog gardens.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist soil in sun or part shade. Ideal for bog gardens, by the side of a stream or as marginal pond plants in up to 10cm of water. Will tolerate drier soil in part shade, but leaf colour is best in full sun. Shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningNo pruning required, excess growth may be cut back as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division, in late spring as growth begins, or by softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free