Alisma plantago-aquatica
Water plantain, Mad dog weed
- Height × spread
- 0.7m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Water plantain is a striking plant for shallow water at a pond edge or in a very boggy site. It has sturdy, oblong, rather strappy, bright green leaves and, carried on a net of fine stalks, are the flowers which make a token veil over the foliage. If you look closely, you will see the star-shaped flowers actually only have three petals. It is attractive but can be rampant and will seed happily unless deadheading is routinely carried out.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.7m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Water garden, Small scale garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Any
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- 30cm to 60cm
- Use for
- Bee attraction, 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
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
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.