Aponogeton distachyos
water hawthorn
A deciduous or partially evergreen perennial with elliptic or lance-shaped floating leaves and forked racemes of small, fragrant white flowers with purple anthers, held just above the water surface
Other common names
Cape asparagusCape pondweed
see morehawthorn-scented pondweed
water hyacinth
winter hawthorn
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Aponogetonaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Floating
- Genus
Aponogeton are submerged rhizomatous perennials with simple, floating leaves and small, white flowers in forked racemes or panicles held just above the surface
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in water 30-90cm deep in full sun or partial shade. This plant is listed on Schedule 3 of the EU (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 in the Republic of Ireland as an invasive non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold or from being grown in gardens in the Republic of Ireland, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners in the Republic of Ireland to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 3
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by rhizome division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Water snail may cause damage
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.