About
A vigorous, erect, semi-evergreen, marginal aquatic perennial with keeled, linear leaves to 1.5m long. In summer it produces branched stems with greenish-white male and female flowers in separate clusters, followed by prickly green, then brown, fruit to 1cm across.
About the genus
Sparganium are deciduous or semi-evergreen, marginal aquatic perennials producing vigorous stands of lush growth. The leaves are narrow and upright, the flowers small and followed by fleshy, burr-like fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a shallow pool margin, to 45cm deep, in full sun or partial shade. Can spread indefinitely and has potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See pond plants for further advice
PruningCut back old leaves and stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 15°C as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free