Menyanthes trifoliata

RHS Plant Profile
bogbean
bogbean RHS 1983

Other common names

bean trefoil, beck bean, bitterwort, bog hop, bog myrtle, bog nut, bog trefoil, brook bean, buckbean, marsh clover, marsh trefoil, water shamrock, water trefoil, ffa'r gors

Plants for pollinators
Aquatic Bogs

A marginal aquatic plant, forming wide mats with leaves held just above the water, and pale pink flowers 2.5cm across, in erect racemes to 25cm in height, in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Menyanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Menyanthes is an aquatic, rhizomatous perennial of shallow water, with leaves composed of 3 broadly elliptic or ovate leaflets, and star-shaped flowers with fringed petals
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Temp. N. Hemisphere

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in baskets in a large pond in water up to 25cm deep, or grow in muddy pool margins. Grow in full sun to encourage flowering. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free