© Cephas / CC BY-SA 3.0Pickerel weed
Pontederia cordata, commonly known as pickerel weed, is a North American emergent aquatic plant with glossy, heart- to arrowhead-shaped leaves that rise well above the water's surface. From early summer through autumn it produces spikes of blue-purple flowers in continuous succession, bringing cool, vivid color to ponds and water gardens. A cold-hardy perennial, it comes back reliably year after year when planted at a pond's edge or in a large container. It's considered easy to grow, making it a good choice even for those new to aquatic plants, and the contrast between its bold foliage and delicate flower spikes makes it a popular accent for biotopes and ornamental ponds.
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Apply as a growerPickerel weed key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Size
- 60–120 cm tall (up to about 1.5 m)
- Watering
- Plant in rich soil
- Lighting
- Needs full sun for good flowering.
- CO2 & Fertilizer
- No CO2 needed; plant in rich, organic loam.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Cold-hardy (USDA zones 3–10); a deciduous perennial that dies back in winter and resprouts in spring.
- Substrate & Attachment
- Plant in spring in mud at a pond edge, or in a container set 8–13 cm under water.
- Trimming & Propagation
- Rhizomes spread, so divide in spring when crowded; grow it in a container to limit spread.
- Cautions
- Few serious pests or diseases, but watch for spider mites. Do not plant or dump it in natural waters.
About Pickerel weed
Pontederia cordata (pickerel weed) is a cold-hardy North American aquatic perennial with glossy heart-shaped leaves and blue-purple flower spikes. Easy to grow for beginners in ponds or large containers.
7 things to know before growing Pickerel weed
1Give It Full Sun
Pontederia cordata flowers best with plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day, so place it where it gets full sun outdoors. It will tolerate partial shade, but flowering tends to be sparser.
2Keep the Roots Submerged
As an emergent aquatic plant, it needs its pot or root zone kept a few centimeters underwater at all times. If planting at a pond's edge, watch for water-level swings and avoid letting it dry out completely.
3Use Aquatic Planting Soil
A well-draining aquatic potting mix based on field or paddy soil suits it well. Nutrient-rich clay-based soils like akadama or arakida encourage more vigorous growth.
4Divide Every 1-2 Years
It grows vigorously and clumps can become crowded, so dividing and repotting roughly every one to two years keeps the roots from becoming pot-bound. Spring, as new growth begins, is the best time to do this. Because it is a non-native plant from North America, never plant or dump surplus divisions in ponds, rivers or waterways; dry them out and dispose of them with household waste.
5Foliage Dies Back in Winter
The leaves and stems die back from autumn into winter, a natural part of dormancy, and new shoots return in spring as long as the roots stay alive. Being cold-hardy, it can overwinter outdoors in a pond without extra protection.
6Check Leaves and Base
When choosing a plant, look for firm, glossy leaves and a sturdy base with healthy-looking roots for the smoothest start. Avoid plants with leaf tips that are already browning or dried out.
7Deadhead Spent Spikes
Removing spent flower spikes promptly redirects the plant's energy toward new blooms and reduces strain on the plant. Since it flowers continuously from June through October, regular deadheading keeps the show going longer.
Frequently asked questions about Pickerel weed
- Q.Can I grow it without an outdoor garden?
- A.Yes — with a large water lily tub or planter kept filled with water, you can grow it on a balcony or patio without a garden. Since it's an emergent aquatic plant, you'll need a container that keeps it submerged at all times.
- Q.Does it need to come indoors for winter?
- A.No, thanks to its cold-hardy perennial nature it can overwinter outdoors in a pond. The top growth dies back, but new shoots return in spring as long as the roots survive.
- Q.When does it bloom?
- A.It blooms from June through October, producing blue-purple flower spikes in succession. With such a long bloom period, you can enjoy flowers from early summer well into autumn.
- Q.How big does it get?
- A.It typically grows to about 60-120 cm tall, with vigorous plants reaching around 1.5 m. A large container or a pond edge with some room to spread suits it well.
- Q.Can it be planted in the same pond as fish like medaka?
- A.Pontederia cordata is commonly planted as an emergent plant at pond edges, including ponds that also house aquatic animals. Since it grows into a substantial clump, it's worth planning the layout so it doesn't crowd out swimming space.
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