Hydrocharis morsus-ranae

RHS Plant Profile
frogbit

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frogbit RHS 2002

Other common names

alaw lleiaf

Aquatic
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A floating aquatic perennial with rounded leaves 3cm across, and white flowers 2-3cm across, with a yellow spot on each petal

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Hydrocharitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Floating
Genus
Hydrocharis can be submerged or floating aquatic perennials with glossy, rounded leaves and white, 3-petalled flowers in summer
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in still, alkaline water in full sun. Water must be deep enough to prevent bottom freezing to protect overwintering buds. See pond plants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division of stolons

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to water snails and larvae of the brown china-mark moth

Diseases

Generally disease-free