Alisma
Water plantain
- Height × spread
- 0.7m – 0.7m × 1m – 1m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This covers nine species of aquatic herbaceous plants. They are found in northern temperate regions and are tough and hardy plants. They all winter underwater and the cold period is essential to their health and well-being. There are a range of sizes from the compact Alisma gramineum at around 15cm to one of the larger forms that carries its flowers a metre above the water, Alisma plantago-aquatica, the variety most commonly encountered. These plants are partially grown for their attractive flowers which are small, white, and carried on large branching stems. They look somewhat like an expansive attenuated gypsophila.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.7m – 0.7m
- Spread
- 1m – 1m
- Season of interest
- 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- 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
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.