Luronium natans

RHS Plant Profile
floating water plantain

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Other common names

dŵr-lyriad nofiadwy

Synonyms

Alisma natans

Aquatic
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A spreading, floating, marginal pond plant, native to the UK, but rare, preferring shallow water and boggy areas over mud. It has small, oval, dark green floating leaves in shallow water and narrower, longer leaves in deep water. Small, three-petalled white flowers with yellow centres appear from May to July. Recommended water depth over the crown - 5-10cm (2-4 inches). Can be grown up to a depth of 4m. Suitable for smaller ponds

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH

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)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Alismataceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Floating, Spreading branched
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in clean, still or gently moving water in bright, indirect light. When planting in growing media, use a nutrient-rich, peat-free mix suitable for aquatic plants. Keep clear of algae, blanketweed or other plants which may crowd out and prevent the Luranium from absorbing light and nutrients. Also thrives in indoor aquariums. See pond plants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in soil which is kept constantly moist, ideally in shallow water, in spring or early summer. Seeds may take several weeks to several months to germinate. Division can be a more reliable way of propagating. Divide healthy, mature plants, ensuring each has a healthy root system, and plant in a similar environment to the parent plant. See pond plant propagation

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free