Description of Alisma plantago-aquatica (Water Plantain)

Alisma plantago-aquatica is water plantain, a native marginal found around ponds, lakes, and slow streams. It is grown for its airy flower sprays and upright leaf clumps that give height without blocking views across the water.

Appearance

It forms a basal clump of long, oval leaves on upright stalks. In summer, tall branched stems carry many small pale pink to white flowers. Flower stems can reach 60 to 100cm, rising well above the leaves.

Care Guide

It prefers shallow water or saturated soil and copes with fluctuating water levels.

• Sun: Full sun to light shade.
• Soil: Mud or heavy wet soil.
• Water: Shallow margins or boggy ground.
• Cut back: Remove old stems in late autumn or spring.
• Seeding: It can self-seed in suitable wet conditions.

Leave some seed heads if you want a natural look and wildlife value.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This is ideal for wildlife bog gardens and natural pond edges. It adds vertical interest without dense foliage and mixes well with rushes and sedges.

Use it in groups near the waterline where roots stay wet.

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