Hottonia palustris
water violet
An aquatic perennial with whorled, feathery submerged leaves and pale purple flowers held above the water in late spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Submerged
- Genus
Hottonia are submerged aquatic perennials with finely pinnatisect leaves and erect stems bearing whorls of primula-like, lilac or white flowers in a terminal racemes
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant directly in the margins, or in baskets in a pool of clear, still or very slow moving water in full sun. Mature plants can grow in up to 60cm of water. A good oxygenator. See pond plants for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or by seed; plants sometimes produce resting buds that sink to the bottom to overwinter, then produce new growth in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flase leaf-mining midge. Filamentous algae may smother foliage
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.