Marsilea
Water clover fern
- Height × spread
- 0.02m – 0.02m × 0.5m – 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These aquatic ferns bear a close resemblance to the lucky four-leaved clover and are popular additions to ponds. There are around 65 species of these and they are found growing in both temperate and tropical areas, growing both in water and in marshy and boggy places. Nearly all of them are rooted in the pond and thrust their leaves through the surface of the water, Marsilea mutica floats on the surface of the water. There are one or two cultivars available. The identity of some of these plants can be a problem and they can be mis-sold under the wrong name. These plants are not cold-hardy and need to be wintered in a frost-free area, putting them back in the pond when warmer weather returns.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.02m – 0.02m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Water garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- Up to 10cm
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Lift before winter
Lift bulbs. tubers or rhizomes in autumn, to keep for the following year. Keep dry and in a frost-free location for the winter. Re-plant in spring.
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.