Baldellia ranunculoides - Lesser Water Plantain, Native Pond Marginal

Baldellia ranunculoides, known as lesser water-plantain, is a small UK native marginal plant with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. From May to August it carries three-petalled flowers in white to pale pink-lilac, each with a yellow centre.

Lesser water-plantain at a glance

Botanical name	Baldellia ranunculoides
Common name	Lesser water-plantain
Plant type	Small, clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 10–20 cm tall, 10–30 cm wide
Flowers	White to pale pink-lilac with a yellow centre, May to August
Position	Full sun
Soil	Wet soil or shallow water; any pH
Pond depth	1–5 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness	RHS H5 – hardy in a cold winter (-15 to -10°C)
Native to	UK and Ireland (native wild flower)

Why grow lesser water-plantain?

It is a declining native plant, listed as Near Threatened on the GB Red List. Growing it in a wildlife pond helps keep a scarce wild flower in cultivation.

Where to plant it

The very shallow edge of a wildlife pond, 1–5 cm deep
Small ponds and container ponds, where its small size suits
A sunny spot in full sun

How to plant and care for it

Plant in spring or summer in full sun with 1–5 cm of water over the crown. Trimming off spent seed heads can bring a further flush of flowers.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.