Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata)
Pontederia cordata, or Pickerel weed, is a showy aquatic perennial offering soft blue blooms from June to October in zones 3-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Pontederia cordata, commonly known as Pickerel weed, is a handsome, vigorous marginal aquatic plant prized for its late-season color display. Its striking spikes of soft blue flowers bloom continuously from mid-summer well into the fall, providing much-needed vibrancy in water gardens. This deciduous perennial forms dense stands using its spreading rhizomes, making it an excellent choice for naturalizing pond edges or boggy areas. Beyond its beauty, Pontederia cordata offers ecological benefits, providing cover for fish and surfaces for dragonflies to lay eggs.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Pontederiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Eastern North America to Caribbean
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-4 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to October
- Bloom Description: Soft blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The best time to establish Pontederia cordata is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. These plants require wet conditions, thriving when their roots are set directly into the mud at the margins of a pond, stream, or in very rich organic loams within a water garden. Ensure the plant base is submerged under 3 to 5 inches of water for optimal performance.
For successful flowering, Pontederia cordata demands full sun exposure throughout the growing season. Watering needs are simple: keep the area consistently saturated or submerged. Maintenance is rated as medium, largely due to its vigorous nature.
If you do not want this plant to naturalize rapidly, it is crucial to grow it in containers sunk into the water. Outside of containment, the rhizomes of this Pickerel weed can spread quickly to form extensive colonies. In colder regions (Zones 3-10), the plant is winter hardy; simply allow the dead foliage to remain until spring cleanup.
Landscape Uses
Pickerel weed is indispensable for creating naturalized aquatic borders. Its vertical growth habit makes it perfect for tucking into the shallow edges of ponds or integrating into highly functional rain gardens where constant moisture is present. It works beautifully to soften the hard lines of fountains or stone edging around water features.
For structured designs, plant Pontederia cordata in large tubs or barrels to control its spread while still enjoying its height and color. In natural settings, allow it to mingle with other marginal plants like irises or cattails to create dense, habitat-rich zones. The vibrant green, heart-shaped foliage provides excellent contrast to the blue flower spikes.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pontederia cordata, commonly called pickerel weed, is a vigorous, deciduous, emergent marginal aquatic perennial that typically grows 2-4’ tall, native to quiet waters across eastern North America. It features glossy, narrow, arrowhead-shaped green leaves rising above the water, topped by dense spikes of tiny, tubular soft blue flowers blooming freely from June to October. The plant’s genus honors Guilio Pontedera, and its specific epithet refers to the rounded cordate bases of its leaves.
Tolerances
This section is omitted as no data was provided.
Potential Problems
Generally, Pontederia cordata suffers from no serious insect or disease problems, making it a relatively low-fuss aquatic perennial. Gardeners should primarily watch for spider mites, especially if the plants are grown in slightly less than ideal, humid conditions or under stress. Routine monitoring during peak summer heat is recommended, although significant chemical intervention is rarely required for this tough plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pickerel weed suitable for?
Pontederia cordata is highly adaptable, being winter hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 10.
How large does Pontederia cordata grow?
This species typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 4 feet, with a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet if left unchecked.
What sun exposure does Pickerel weed need?
For the best and most abundant flowering, this aquatic perennial requires full sun exposure.
When does Pickerel weed bloom?
You can expect masses of soft blue flowers on Pickerel weed from June all the way through October.
Conclusion
The vibrant, long-lasting blue blooms of Pontederia cordata make it an essential component for any aquatic landscape feature. As a reliable, hardy marginal plant, Pickerel weed adds necessary vertical structure and superb late-season interest. Before installing, confirm your planting zone compatibility (3-10) and decide whether containment is necessary to manage its spreading rhizomes.
Companion Planting in Aquatic Gardens
When placing Pontederia cordata near other pond plants, consider plants that appreciate similar wet, sunny environments. Cattails (Typha) offer a bolder vertical presence that complements the finer texture of Pickerel weed spikes, though they can also spread aggressively. For mid-level interest, consider native irises like Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor), which share similar hardiness and bloom timing, creating a layered, natural look at the water’s edge.
Wildlife Benefits Spotlight
Pickerel weed is a fantastic resource for local fauna beyond just providing shelter for fish. The dense clusters of flowers attract numerous pollinators, including various bees and butterflies seeking nectar during the late summer months. Furthermore, the plant’s stems projecting above the water are frequently utilized by dragonflies and damselflies as ideal perches for hunting or egg-laying sites, boosting the biodiversity of your water feature.
