Hydrocharis morsus-ranae - Frogbit (Pack of 5)

Regular price £5.95

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  • Approximate size: From 8cm (3 inches) across
  • Flowering time: July to August
  • Flower colour: White
  • You will receive at least five individual plants.

This native pond plant has shiny heart-shaped leaves which reach about an inch across and float on the water surface like those of a tiny waterlily. The colour of the leaves varies depending on the level of sunlight or shade, but is usually a light green or light olive colour. The crown of the plant floats just below the leaves. Each plant produces three or four leaves, and continually sends out runners to form new plants. One or two white three-petalled flowers with yellow centres are produced on mature plants in July-August, but it is really a plant to choose for its foliage. It floats freely in the water with its roots hanging beneath, and thrives in sunny, shallow places, especially over muddy bottoms where it can put the tips of its roots into the mud. It will also grow in moderate shade, but is less likely to flower.

Frogbit will spread steadily across the water surface, but because each individual plant is small it is suitable for any size of pond, from a small wildlife pool to a large ornamental set-up. It dies back in early autumn as it begins to form small turions (winter buds, which look a little like capers - see picture). These sink to the bottom of the pond as the weather cools, overwinter in the silt or mud, and pop up again as new plants in late spring to early summer. The buds begin rising to the surface and opening out at the end of April, and we usually start to sell the first batches by the middle of May. We stop selling it at the beginning of September, as at this time it has only a month left before it disappears for the winter.

If designing a planting scheme, we recommend approximately 1 pack of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae plants per 1 - 2 square feet of water surface. Read more here on how to pot and care for your plant.