Product specifications and features

Product Description

Anemopsis

Introduce a rare and striking waterside plant to your garden with Anemopsis californica, commonly known as Yerba Mansa. This hardy, moisture-loving perennial produces distinctive white, cone-shaped flower spikes surrounded by petal-like bracts, creating a beautiful and unusual floral display. Blooming from late spring to summer, the aromatic foliage and delicate flowers make it an excellent choice for pond margins, bog gardens, and wetland areas.

Plant DescriptionFlowers: White, cone-like flower heads surrounded by petal-like bracts, developing a reddish hue as they matureFoliage: Aromatic, deep green leaves that spread to form a lush ground coverPosition: Ideal for pond edges, wetlands, and consistently damp areasFlowering Period: Late spring to summer (May to July)Height & Spread: 30-60cm tall, spread 50-80cm
How to GrowPlanting Time: SpringDepth & Spacing:✅ Plant rhizomes just below the soil surface, ensuring they have access to moist or wet conditions✅ Space 40-60cm (16-24 inches) apart to allow for natural spreadingSoil Type: Prefers moist, boggy, or waterlogged soil, but can tolerate drier conditions once establishedSunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Care Tips:✅ Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture✅ Remove spent flower stems to encourage continued blooming✅ Cut back foliage in autumn for a tidy appearance✅ Divide rhizomes every 3-4 years if clumps become overcrowded
With its unusual flowers, fragrant foliage, and ability to thrive in wet environments, Anemopsis californica is a fantastic choice for naturalistic and wildlife-friendly planting. Whether used as a waterside accent or a ground cover in damp conditions, this low-maintenance perennial guarantees a distinctive and long-lasting addition to any aquatic garden.

Sent in a 12 x 20cm capper

Specs & Details

Established height
60-90cm
Established spread
30-60cm
Plant spacing
4 bulbs per m²
Flower colour
White, Yellow
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Clump-forming

Features

  • Perennial (Regrows)

  • Thrives Full Sun

  • Full Hardy

Plant Calendar

 

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Plant

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From March To April

Harvest

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From April To May

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Is Anemopsis grown from bulbs?

Anemopsis californica, also known as yerba mansa, is a rhizomatous perennial rather than a true bulb. It grows from spreading underground stems that form clumps over time. It is a moisture-loving plant, suited to pond margins, bog gardens and other areas where the soil stays reliably damp.

Where is the best place to plant Anemopsis?

Anemopsis grows best in permanently moist soil, in full sun or light shade. It is ideal for bog gardens, damp borders and the margins of ponds, where many ordinary garden plants would struggle. Do not plant it in a dry border or container that is likely to dry out in summer, as lack of moisture is the most common cause of poor growth.

Can Anemopsis grow in shallow water?

Yes. Anemopsis can be planted at a pond edge or in an aquatic basket, and it will tolerate shallow water over its crown. It is suitable for water up to around 10 cm deep. Use aquatic compost or a heavy loam-based soil in a basket, position it at the edge of the pond and make sure the plant remains securely in place.

Why is my Anemopsis not growing well or turning brown?

Anemopsis needs consistently damp soil, so browning leaves and poor growth are often caused by the roots drying out. Check that the plant is not growing in a dry pot or a border that receives little water in summer. Keep the soil reliably moist, particularly while the plant is establishing. In winter, foliage may die back naturally, with fresh growth returning in spring.

Does Anemopsis spread, and can I divide it?

Anemopsis spreads gradually through its rhizomes and can form a useful groundcover in wet areas. In favourable conditions, lift and divide congested clumps in spring to maintain healthy growth or create new plants. Replant each division into wet soil or a pond basket straight away, ensuring every section has healthy roots and shoots.

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