Oenanthe fistulosa

RHS Plant Profile
tubular water dropwort

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Other common names

dibynlor pibellaidd

Herbaceous Perennial
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A wetland perennial, ranging in height from 20cm to almost 1m, with pinnate, slightly grey-green leaves divided into lobed and toothed leaflets. Flat to dome-shaped clusters of tiny white flowers are borne on tall, hollow stems from mid summer to early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Clay

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Oenanthe are perennials with a preference for damp ground, marshes or water. Hollow stems are shiny and can grow up to 2m tall. Leaves are triangular, shiny and bright green and flowers are arranged in small white clusters. Brown, rugby-shaped seeds follow the flowers.
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, N Africa, SW Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moist soil, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Suitable for a bog garden, as a marginal or as ground cover alongside streams or in areas prone to flooding

Propagation

Propagate by division in late spring, as growth begins, or by softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Deadhead if seed is not required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free