Pontederia cordata var. lancifolia
A marginal aquatic perennial, to 1.2m tall, forming a clump of lance-shaped leaves borne on long, upright stalks. In late summer it produces tubular blue flowers in densely packed spikes on tall flower stems. A good plant to provide a strong, vertical accent at a pond margin
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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 | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Pontederiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- Genus
Pontederia are herbaceous perennials from marginal aquatic habitats, forming clumps of erect, linear or lance-shaped leaves, with 2-lipped blue flowers in dense terminal spikes in late summer and early autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E. and S. USA, Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in aquatic planting baskets of fertile, loamy soil at the margins of a pool or in a large, water-filled tub on a sheltered patio; submerge in no more than 20cm of water. Site in full sun. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers outdoors as soon as ripe. Divide in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Cut back leaf stems to just above the water level in early winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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