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 a 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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Pickerel Weed is adapted to wet or boggy ground. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Pickerel Weed after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same wet or boggy ground and subtropical climate as Pickerel Weed. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Buying Pickerel Weed
Plant Sale lists Pickerel Weed as potted plants. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
