About
Pontederia cordata, pickerel weed, is a marginal aquatic perennial to 1.2 m forming a clump of erect, lance-shaped or ovate, fresh-green leaves to 18 cm long. Dense, erect spikes to 15 cm long of small, tubular, deep-blue flowers are produced from late summer to autumn. An outstanding aquatic plant for a sunny, shallow pond margin.
About the genus
Pontederia are herbaceous perennials from marginal aquatic habitats forming clumps of erect, linear or lance-shaped leaves and producing two-lipped, blue flowers in dense, terminal spikes in late summer and early autumn. Grown at sunny, shallow pond margins.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPonds, water features, bog gardens.
Native toEastern N America to Caribbean
Care notes
CultivationGrow in baskets of fertile loam, in shallow water (10-12cm deep) and in full sun. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring as growth starts or propagate by seed sown in containers as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free