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Saururus cernuus (Swamp lily)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.6m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Saururus cernuus
Other names
Water dragon, American swamp lily, Breastweed, Swamp lily, Dragon's tail, Lizard's tail
Genus
Saururus Saururus
Species
S. cernuus - S. cernuus is an upright, spreading, deciduous, marginal aquatic perennial with aromatic, heart-shaped, mid- to dark green leaves and slender, nodding spikes of tiny, cream to white flowers from spring into summer.
Saururus cernuus is: Deciduous
Habit
Spreading
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
May become invasive.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Saururus cernuus (Swamp lily) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Aquatic, Bog garden, Low Maintenance, Waterside, Wildflower
Cultivation
Plant in shallow water no deeper than 10cm in full sun.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive, Pond/In water
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, 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
Saururus cernuus
Other names
Water dragon, American swamp lily, Breastweed, Swamp lily, Dragon's tail, Lizard's tail
Genus
Saururus Saururus
Species
S. cernuus - S. cernuus is an upright, spreading, deciduous, marginal aquatic perennial with aromatic, heart-shaped, mid- to dark green leaves and slender, nodding spikes of tiny, cream to white flowers from spring into summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading
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Colour
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
General care
Pruning
May become invasive.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Saururus cernuus (Swamp lily) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Aquatic, Bog garden, Low Maintenance, Waterside, Wildflower
Cultivation
Plant in shallow water no deeper than 10cm in full sun.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive, Pond/In water
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, 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, Zone 3
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, Moisture-retentive, Pond/In water | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, 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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