Aquatic plantsPontederia cordata
Pickerelweed
Pickerelweed is a graceful aquatic plant with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and striking spikes of violet-blue flowers appearing from July to September. The plant grows in shallow water or bog zones and forms lush colonies along pond margins. The flowers are a magnet for butterflies, bees and dragonflies.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- High
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–10
- Family
- Pontederiaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- blue
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies, dragonflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in shallow water 5 to 30 centimetres deep in a pond basket with heavy clay soil. Choose a sunny position. The plant gradually spreads via rhizomes. Remove dead above-ground parts in autumn. Hardy to zone 3 provided the rhizome overwinters below the water surface.
Pruning tips
Cut back dead flower stems and leaves in autumn. Thin the plant if it spreads too aggressively by removing sections of rhizome. Divide overcrowded clumps in spring.
Good companions
Aquatic plantsNymphaea alba
White Water Lily
The white water lily is an iconic aquatic plant with large, round floating leaves and elegant white flowers that rest on the water surface. The blooms open in the morning and close in the afternoon, from June through September. The plant provides shade and shelter for fish and amphibians beneath its leaves.
Aquatic plantsIris pseudacorus
Yellow Flag Iris
Yellow flag iris is a vigorous native aquatic plant with graceful, sword-shaped leaves and striking bright yellow flowers from May to July. The flowers have the classic iris form with falls and standards. The plant grows along banks, in marshes and in shallow water, forming a lush green border along ponds and ditches with its abundant foliage.
Aquatic plantsPontederia cordata
Pickerelweed
Pickerelweed is a graceful aquatic plant with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and striking spikes of violet-blue flowers appearing from July to September. The plant grows in shallow water or bog zones and forms lush colonies along pond margins. The flowers are a magnet for butterflies, bees and dragonflies.