Pontederia
Pickerel weed, Wampee
- Height × spread
- 0.9m – 1.2m × 0.6m – 1.2m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are five species of Pickerel weed and these are plants that like to grow in water or at the margins of ponds or streams. They are of American origin and some forms come from the south of North America, extending into South America. Other forms are tough and cold-hardy. They have appealing heart-shaped leaves and flowers that can be blue, white, pink or lavender. These are oval in shape with many individual blooms clustered round stout upright stalks.
- Flower colour
- Blue, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.9m – 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.6m – 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Water garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- Up to 45cm
- Use for
- Butterfly attraction, Bird 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.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
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.