Sagittaria sagittifolia (Arrowhead / Pijlkruid)

Sagittaria sagittifolia is a graceful native water plant of Dutch and Belgian ditches, producing distinctively arrow-shaped emergent leaves and delicate white three-petalled flowers with purple centres on tall stems in midsummer. An invaluable marginal for wildlife ponds, it provides shelter for aquatic invertebrates and small fish, and its flowers attract pollinators. Grow with roots submerged to 30 cm deep at the pond margin.

Plant in heavy loam or aquatic compost in baskets placed at the pond margin in 0–30 cm of water. Provide full sun for best flowering. Remove faded flower stems and divide clumps every 2–3 years to maintain vigour. Fully winter-hardy in Belgium; no protection required. A native species — excellent for wildlife pond planting schemes.