Product specifications and features

Product Description

Pontederia Cordata

Enhance your pond margins and wetland areas with Pontederia cordata, commonly known as Pickerel Weed. This hardy aquatic perennial produces striking spikes of violet-blue flowers above its lush, glossy green, heart-shaped foliage, creating a beautiful contrast against water features. Blooming from midsummer to early autumn, this pollinator-friendly plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Plant DescriptionFlowers: Dense spikes of small violet-blue flowers, highly attractive to pollinatorsFoliage: Glossy, lance-shaped to heart-shaped green leaves that add texture and structurePosition: Ideal for pond edges, shallow water, and boggy areasFlowering Period: Midsummer to early autumn (June to September)Height & Spread: 60-90cm tall, spread 40-60cm
How to GrowPlanting Time: SpringDepth & Spacing:✅ Plant in shallow water (5-15cm deep) at the edge of a pond or in moist, boggy soil✅ Space 40-60cm (16-24 inches) apart to allow for spreadingSoil Type: Prefers wet, nutrient-rich soil but can tolerate slightly drier conditions if regularly wateredSunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Care Tips:✅ Keep the soil consistently moist if planted in boggy conditions✅ Trim back faded flower spikes to encourage prolonged blooming✅ Cut back old foliage in autumn for a tidy appearance✅ Divide clumps every 3-4 years if they become overcrowded
With its vibrant flowers, lush foliage, and ability to thrive in wet conditions, Pontederia cordata is a must-have for pond margins, water gardens, and wetland habitats. Whether used for naturalising in wildlife-friendly spaces or adding a touch of colour to aquatic settings, this variety guarantees a stunning and long-lasting summer display.

Sent in a 12 x 20cm capper

Specs & Details

Established height
60-90cm
Established spread
30-60cm
Plant spacing
5 bulbs per m²
Flower colour
Blue, Purple
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.

Can I plant Pontederia in my pond now?

Plant Pontederia, also known as pickerel weed, in spring or early summer when water temperatures are rising. It establishes best in a sunny, sheltered pond margin or bog garden rather than deep water.

How deep should Pontederia be planted in a pond?

Grow Pontederia in an aquatic planting basket filled with fertile loam, with around 10 to 12cm of water above the soil level. Avoid placing a newly planted specimen too deep, as it needs time to establish.

Can Pontederia grow in ordinary garden soil?

No. Pontederia is a marginal aquatic plant and needs consistently wet soil or shallow water. It is ideal for pond edges, wetland areas and bog gardens, but will not thrive in a normal dry border.

When does Pontederia flower and how tall does it grow?

Pontederia produces upright spikes of blue flowers from late summer into early autumn. Depending on the type and conditions, it can reach around 60cm to 1.2m tall, creating a strong vertical feature at the pond edge.

Does Pontederia come back every year and will it spread?

Yes. Pontederia is perennial and dies back over winter before producing fresh growth in spring. It gradually forms a larger clump, so growing it in a planting basket makes it easier to control and divide in spring when needed.

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