Pontederia cordata f. albiflora - White Pickerel Weed, Pond Marginal Plant

Pontederia cordata f. albiflora (sold as Pontederia cordata 'Alba'), known as white pickerel weed, is the white-flowered form of the usually blue pickerel weed. It forms upright clumps of glossy, heart- to lance-shaped leaves and, from July to September, carries spikes of pure white flowers.

White pickerel weed at a glance

Where to plant white pickerel weed

• A sunny pond shelf with 8–15 cm of water over the crown
• Garden and wildlife ponds
• Next to blue pickerel weed for contrast

Is it good for wildlife?

Yes. Nurseries report the flowers are very attractive to bees and are also visited by butterflies, and the leaves give cover and shade to pond wildlife.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in an aquatic basket of loam-based aquatic compost topped with gravel. It is fast-growing, so divide it every few years. It dies back in autumn and regrows in spring.

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.