Alisma plantago-aquatica (Water Plantain / Grote Waterweegbree)

Alisma plantago-aquatica is a graceful native European aquatic plant producing broad, plantain-like emergent leaves above the water surface and tall, elegant branching flower stems bearing tiny white to pale pink flowers in airy pyramidal panicles throughout summer. Very common in Dutch and Belgian ditches and pond margins, it is an excellent choice for wildlife ponds and naturalised water gardens where native biodiversity is valued. Suitable for planting in water depths of 5–25 cm or in wet marginal soil.

Plant in shallow water (5–25 cm depth) or in wet pond-edge soil in a position receiving full sun to partial shade. No supplemental fertilizer or CO₂ required. Fully cold-hardy through Northern European winters — dies back to the rootstock and re-emerges each spring. Divide clumps every 2–3 years to maintain vigour. Remove old flower stems in autumn to prevent excessive seeding.