A hardy marginal aquatic with glossy spear-shaped leaves and showy spikes of violet-blue flowers through summer that attract bees. Excellent for pond edges and bog gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Aquatic plant
- Mature size: 90 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: Exotic
About Pickerel Weed
Pontederia cordata is an moderate-growing aquatic plant in the Pontederiaceae family. It reaches around 90 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Blue and purple flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Pickerel Weed
Pickerel Weed suits subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Pickerel Weed does best in clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Pickerel Weed is wet or boggy ground. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Pickerel Weed after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Pickerel Weed in the garden
Pickerel Weed earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, feeding bees and pollinators and holding soil on banks and slopes.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Pickerel Weed with other plants that enjoy the same wet or boggy ground and subtropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Pickerel Weed
Plant Sale lists Pickerel Weed as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.