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AquaticBogsHerbaceous Perennial

Butomus umbellatus 'Schneeweisschen'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A deciduous, rush-like, marginal aquatic perennial, with narrow, twisted mid-green leaves becoming darker when extended. Umbels of cup-shaped, fragrant white flowers are held above the foliage on upright, red-tinted stems up to 1m tall in summer

Synonyms
Butomus 'Schneeweibschen'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Butomaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Submerged, Tufted
Genus

Butomus are submerged rhizomatous perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and 6-petalled pink flowers held in umbels well above water level

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile mud at pond margins or in water up to 25cm deep, in full sun. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by rhizome division in spring. See pond plants propagation for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to water lily aphid

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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