Pilularia globulifera - Pillwort, Native Pond Marginal Plant
Pilularia globulifera - Pillwort, Native Pond Marginal Plant
£6.80
/
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
Planting Time
Flowering Time
Pilularia globulifera, known as pillwort, is a scarce UK native aquatic fern. Thread-like, bright green fronds rise from creeping stems and uncoil like tiny fern fronds, forming a small, lawn-like mat. In summer, small round spore cases, the "pills", form at the base of the fronds.
Pillwort at a glance
| Botanical name | Pilularia globulifera |
|---|---|
| Common name | Pillwort |
| Plant type | Creeping aquatic fern; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread | Up to 10 cm tall, forming a low mat |
| Flowers | None – a fern; small round spore "pills" form at the base of the fronds in summer |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Wet, nutrient-poor, acid to neutral mud |
| Pond depth | 0–10 cm of water |
| Hardiness | RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to | UK and Ireland (scarce native fern) |
Why grow pillwort?
It is a declining native plant, listed as Near Threatened on the GB Red List and Nationally Scarce in Britain. It has declined through habitat loss, nutrient-rich water and less grazing of pond edges. Always buy nursery-grown plants: never collect pillwort from the wild, and ask for advice before planting it into wild sites.
Where to plant pillwort
- The bare, muddy edge of a wildlife pond where the water level rises and falls
- Shallow water up to 10 cm deep
- Full sun, clear of overhanging plants
How to plant and care for it
It needs clean, nutrient-poor water and will not tolerate pollution or shade. The RHS describes it as generally free of pests and diseases.
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 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.
Pond depth: 0 - 10cm
Light: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Height and spread: 0 - 10cm tall, 20 - 30cm wide
Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.
Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.
Potted (9 cm, 1:tr, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.
Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.
2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.
At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.
Processing Time:
Orders are processed within 1 - 3 business day after payment confirmation. Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed the next business day.
Shipping Methods:
- Standard Shipping (1-3 days)
- Express Shipping (1-2 days)
Should you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, feel free to contact us.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe for Deals and Discounts