Description
Pontederia cordata 'Pink', known as pink pickerel weed, is a pink-flowered form of pickerel weed. It is smaller than the blue form and, from July into autumn, carries spikes of soft lilac-pink flowers above glossy, heart-shaped leaves.
Pink pickerel weed at a glance
| Botanical name |
Pontederia cordata 'Pink' |
| Common name |
Pink pickerel weed |
| Plant type |
Clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 60–80 cm tall, about 40 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Soft lilac-pink spikes, July to September |
| Position |
Full sun |
| Soil |
Fertile loam in shallow water |
| Pond depth |
10–20 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness |
RHS H5 – hardy in a cold winter (-15 to -10°C) (species rating) |
| Native to |
Garden form of a North American plant (not UK native) |
How is it different from blue pickerel weed?
It has soft pink flowers instead of blue and is more compact, usually 60–80 cm rather than 1–1.5 m, so it suits smaller ponds.
Where to plant it
- A sunny pond shelf with 10–20 cm of water over the crown
- Next to blue pickerel weed for a mixed planting
- Garden and formal ponds
Is it good for wildlife?
It attracts pollinating insects late in the season. As a non-native plant, keep it to garden ponds.
How to plant and care for it
Plant in an aquatic basket of loam from late spring. Cut back dead foliage in autumn.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
