Stratiotes aloides
water soldier
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- Standard £5.95
This pond plant is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its foliage in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose it all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Depth of water: 25-50cm (10-20in)
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This fascinating, native, semi-evergreen plant spends most of the time under the surface of the water, but it rises up when it starts to flower in summer. Its slender, pointed foliage looks good though whether it is submerged or not, so Stratiotes aloides will make an interesting addition to deeper ponds, where it will spread to form a sizeable clump.
When introducing to your pond, plants often lie on their side taking time to adapt to both the temperature and the pH of the water. Allow a few days for them to stand themselves upright. During spring and summer, the plant will float but Stratiotes aloides will sink to the pond base in winter. Remove runners in early spring to control the vigorous spread of the plant.