Alisma lanceolatum
narrow-leaved water plantain
A perennial aquatic that grows in shallow water, with its roots submerged and its leaves and flowers rising above the surface. It reaches 70cm tall and 25cm wide and has lance-shaped leaves 12 to 40cm long and 1 to 3cm wide, that grow in a rosette at the base of the plant, with submerged leaves being smaller and less veined. From June to August, it produces small, pinkish-purple, three-petalled flowers that grow in circular clusters along branching flower stems, opening in the morning
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Alismataceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Submerged, Tufted
- Genus
Alisma are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials from wet habitats, with basal rosettes of long-stalked, elliptic leaves and open panicles of small white or pink flowers in spring
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow at pond margins in water up to 30cm deep. Deadhead regularly in order to prevent problems from self-seeding. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by rhizome division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Deadhead regularly in order to prevent problems from self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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