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Alisma plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum (American water plantain)
2 hours care
per year
per year
0.9m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Alisma plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum
Other names
American water plantain, Small-flowered water plantain, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. subcordatum, Alisma parviflorum, Alisma montanum, Mud plantain, Broadleaf water plantain, Southern water plantain, Broad-leaved water plantain, Alisma parviflora, Alisma subcordatum
Genus
Alisma Alisma
Species
A. plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum - A. plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum is an aquatic, deciduous perennial with rosettes of thick, somewhat fleshy, ovate to rounded, dark green leaves, sometimes light green at the veins, and a sturdy stem bearing a large, whorled, open panicle of tiny, white, rarely pink flowers in summer.
Alisma plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect flower stem, Rosette, Spreading
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Can get false leaf-mining midge.
Diseases
Algae might smother foliage.
General care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation
Sow seed as soon as ripe in trays or pots half submerged in shallow trays or water. Divide tuber-like rhizomes in late spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Root plantlets, Seed
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Where to grow
Alisma plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum (American water plantain) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Aquatic, Cottage/Informal, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grow in boggy soil at pond margins or in water up to 30cm deep in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Not suitable for small ponds.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, Pond/In water
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Alisma plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum
Other names
American water plantain, Small-flowered water plantain, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. subcordatum, Alisma parviflorum, Alisma montanum, Mud plantain, Broadleaf water plantain, Southern water plantain, Broad-leaved water plantain, Alisma parviflora, Alisma subcordatum
Genus
Alisma Alisma
Species
A. plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum - A. plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum is an aquatic, deciduous perennial with rosettes of thick, somewhat fleshy, ovate to rounded, dark green leaves, sometimes light green at the veins, and a sturdy stem bearing a large, whorled, open panicle of tiny, white, rarely pink flowers in summer.
Native to
Canada, Central United States, Eastern United States
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect flower stem, Rosette, Spreading
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Colour
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Can get false leaf-mining midge.
Diseases
Algae might smother foliage.
General care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation
Sow seed as soon as ripe in trays or pots half submerged in shallow trays or water. Divide tuber-like rhizomes in late spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Root plantlets, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Alisma plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum (American water plantain) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Aquatic, Cottage/Informal, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grow in boggy soil at pond margins or in water up to 30cm deep in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Not suitable for small ponds.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, Pond/In water
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Boggy damp conditions, Pond/In water | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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