Saururus cernuus
Lizards tail, American swamp lily, Swamp lily, Water dragon
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a curious water-side plant. It has dark green, heart-shaped leaves. In summer there are extraordinary flowers which come in the form of a column which is curved over, a little like a hook. It is creamy-white in colour and composed of tiny flowers that are fragrant. The plant is invasive in wet conditions and as it is usually grown in water, containment is advised.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Water garden, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Any
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Water depth
- Up to 15cm
- Use for
- Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Feed with aquatic plant food
As the plant is grown in water, feed with an aquatic feed as directed on the packet. Do not exceed the amounts given as this can affect the water.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Compost for aquatic plants
Use aquatic plant compost for pond plants (other composts contain nitrates that cause problems in ponds). Pond plants are generally planted in baskets and weighted to keep in position.