An Australian native aquatic fern with four-lobed clover-like leaves that float on the surface or stand above damp mud. An iconic inland wetland plant; its spore cases were ground for food by Aboriginal peoples.
At a glance
- Plant type: Aquatic plant
- Mature size: 20 cm H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: wet or boggy ground
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Nardoo
Botanically, Marsilea drummondii is a fast-growing aquatic plant in the Marsileaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 20 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage.
Where to grow Nardoo
Nardoo suits subtropical, warm-temperate and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Nardoo does best in clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Nardoo is adapted to wet or boggy ground. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Nardoo in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Nardoo in the garden
Nardoo earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and holding soil on banks and slopes.
Companion planting & design
Combine Nardoo with plants that share its preference for wet or boggy ground and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Nardoo
Plant Sale lists Nardoo as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
