Description of Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae (New Zealand Pennywort)

Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae is New Zealand pennywort, used as a low ground cover in damp conditions. It’s a great plant for the front edge of bog gardens, where it can knit soil together and soften hard lines.

Appearance

It forms small, rounded leaves on creeping stems, creating a low mat. It stays very short, often just a few centimetres high, but it can spread sideways into damp ground and between stones.

Care Guide

It likes constant moisture and it looks best where the surface stays cool. In dry heat it can thin out.

• Sun: Part shade to sun. Shade helps keep the mat fresh in summer.
• Soil: Moist soil with organic matter. It also grows well in fine gravel if kept wet.
• Water: Keep consistently damp.
• Tidy up: Trim edges if it creeps into paths.
• Propagation: Lift and replant small pieces, they usually root quickly.

In raised bog planters, it works well at the front where it can trail slightly and hide the compost edge.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This plant is ideal for bog gardens as a ground cover around taller marginals. It also works near pond shelves where it can creep down towards the water line.

Because it is low, it is useful where you want coverage without blocking other plants.

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