About
Saururus cernuus, swamp lily, is a marginal aquatic perennial with intense-green, heart-shaped leaves and curving, drooping spikes of tiny, aromatic, white flowers in late summer. A rewarding and ornamental native American aquatic plant for the margins of a pond or stream.
About the genus
Saururus are marginal aquatic herbaceous perennials with long-stalked, ovate, heart-based leaves and very small, fragrant, white flowers in slender, nodding racemes in late summer. Grown in the shallow margins of ponds and streams.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Aquatic, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPonds, water features, bog gardens.
Native toEastern N America
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in boggy ground or pond margins in full sun or partial shade in water no deeper than 10cm. Divide regularly to maintain vigour. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free