A creeping aquatic bog perennial with pinkish white flowers . Position: full sun or partial shade Depth of water: 0-23cm (0-9in) Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: April to May Hardiness: fully hardy A true British native, Menyanthes is a deep marginal bog bean with koi and duck proof leaves that spread across the top of the water. Dense spikes of dainty, bearded, white flowers emerge from attractive pink buds in early summer. Once a common site in bogs and fens (it will grow in reliably wet soil as well as ponds), its habitat has steadily decreased so we recommend as a must for wildlife pools where it will help to support bees, moths, butterflies and aphid loving hoverflies. It was also used, on a time, to flavour schnapps! Garden care: Best planted in a shallow square 2 litre aquatic basket or larger: drape roots into basket and fill with soil firming down, allowing the bamboo like stems to float with the growing tip pointing up (at or just above the surface of the water ideally if planting in March/April. If growing in boggy soil, plant out as normal with added well-rotted compost and do not allow to dry out. Cut down stems and trim back unwanted growth from the surface after flowering.
