The Water Plantain is an upright, airy plant that doesn’t seem to take up as much space as its size would suggest as you can see right through its wiry branches. The flowers are pale, pinkish white when examined up close, but often appear white from a distance. The plant blooms from late spring into summer.

The foliage consists of long, oval, dark green leaves that are held on long stalks so that they stand up tall above the water. The plants form large clumps, and the flowering stems arise from this solid base of foliage. Unless it is grown beside a large natural pond, one plant would probably suffice. If it is grown in the mud rather than directly in the water, it must not be allowed to dry out. Water copiously if the water level of the pond or stream drops to keep the soil moist. These plants are hardy and need no special treatment to survive winter. Like most pond plants, it can be invasive so cut off the flower stems as the flowers fade, before they have chance to scatter seed everywhere. When cut and dried, flower stems are ideal for flower arranging.


Growing Requirements

Position
This is a plant to be grown on the edge of a pond or slow-moving stream. It will grow happily either in the mud at the edge of the water, or in water about 6 inches deep. As with most aquatic plants, the best time to plant out is in the spring, when the pond is warming up. Plug directly into the mud at the side of, or if the pond is lined, into a lattice pot. The water plantain will grow best in full sunlight. It will grow in light shade, but won’t flower so well.

Size
Water Plantains will grow to a height of 3ft (90cm) with a 2ft (60 cm) spread.

Propagation
These plants grow very readily from seed, especially if sown in a cold frame while fresh. Place the pot in about 1in (2.5cm) of water to keep the soil wet. The seedlings can be potted up when large enough to handle and kept in the cold frame for the first winter, planting out in late spring. Larger plants can be divided in the spring or autumn and the divisions planted straight out into their permanent positions.

Family: Alismataceae
Genus: Alisma