pickerel weed
Pontederia cordata
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Soft blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) is a perennial for pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Soft blue flowers open in succession from the bottom of the spike up, which prolongs the show. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Divide it often to keep it from growing too large.
Pairs well with Swamp milkweed, Royal fern, and Indian grass.
Native range
Africa and Northern Provinces.