Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (Frogbit)

Botanical name

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae

Other names

Frogbit, Frog's bit, European frogbit

Genus

Hydrocharis Hydrocharis

Species

H. morsus-ranae - H. morsus-ranae is a floating, aquatic with horizontal, floating stolons forming rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped, glossy, mid- to olive green leaves and new plants at the tips of the stolon. Bowl-shaped, white flowers with a yellow spot on each petal bloom in summer.

Native to

Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Mat Forming

Colour

Flower

White, Flushed yellow in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Snails

General care

Propagation

Divide stolons in spring. Sow seed in trays of shallow water as soon as ripe.

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (Frogbit) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 1.5m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Aquatic, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in shallow, still, alkaline water, shallow enough for the leaves leaves to float and the stolons to root in the mud. Plants are less vigorous in deeper water where the plants float on the surface. Water must be deep enough so the water doesn't freeze and damage overwintering buds. Considered an invasive, noxious weed in many introduced areas, particularly the United States and Canada.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Boggy damp conditions, Pond/In water

Soil pH

Alkaline

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, 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