Alisma plantago-aquatica
water plantain
A marginal aquatic perennial, forming rosettes of grey-green leaves to 30cm in length, with tall panicles of white flowers to 1.5cm across in late spring
Synonyms
Alisma plantago
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Alismataceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- 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
Get involved
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