VANDERMEER

PLANT LIBRARY

Find the perfect plant for your space by browsing through this extensive selection that we typically carry every year.

This library is for information purposes only.

 
aquatic

Pickerel weed

Pontederia cordata

Add To My Wish List

Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) at Vandermeer Nursery

Pickerel weed flowers

Pickerel weed flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) at Vandermeer Nursery

Pickerel weed in bloom

Pickerel weed in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  4 feet

Spread:  24 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  5b

Description:

A common plant in native wetlands; beautiful spikes of violet flowers from late spring through summer; perfect for the margins of garden ponds or constantly moist areas; established plants can thrive in flooded areas; spreads by creeping rhizomes

Ornamental Features

Pickerel weed features showy spikes of violet orchid-like flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to late summer. Its attractive glossy heart-shaped leaves remain green in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Pickerel weed is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spreading

Pickerel weed is ideally suited for growing in a pond, water garden or patio water container, and is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Water Gardens
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
  • Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Pickerel weed will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the water, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 499 years or more; think of this as a heritage perennial for future generations! As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. As an aquatic plant, it requires a suitable water garden environment and will benefit from special planting and ongoing care practices; consult one of our in-store experts for further details and instructions. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Naturalizing  Bog  Water 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color 
Ornamental Features

** Plants listed may not be in stock at all times. **

Please contact us directly for current stock availability.
 
Our inventory varies seasonally and we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times. To confirm if we have the plant that you're looking for, please call (905) 427-2525 or e-mail  us at info@vandermeernursery.com.
 
Remember, this library does not include our entire selection. Visit us year-round to check out varieties that may not be listed here!