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AquaticHerbaceous Perennial

Hydrocotyle vulgaris

marsh pennywort

A creeping, moisture-loving, low-growing perennial forming a mat of round, shallow-toothed leaves, 1-5cm wide, held erect on short stems attached to the leaf centres. Tiny, inconspicuous flower clusters appear in late spring and summer

Other common names
marsh pennywort
penny rot
see moresheep's bane
white rot
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Araliaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming, Submerged, Floating
Genus

A genus of aquatic or semi-aquatic horizontal plants which can be found in ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes and sometimes coastal areas. They form mats of long, creeping stems and clusters of pale green to pink flowers on upright spikes

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun or partial shade in moisture-retentive soils in bog gardens or at pond margins or grow shallowly submerged in water up to 5cm deep. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut back regularly to control spread

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to mint rust

Get involved

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