Pontederia cordata f. albiflora - White Pickerel Weed, Pond Marginal P

Pontederia cordata f. albiflora (sold as Pontederia cordata 'Alba'), known as white pickerel weed, is the white-flowered form of the usually blue pickerel weed. It forms upright clumps of glossy, heart- to lance-shaped leaves and, from July to September, carries spikes of pure white flowers.

White pickerel weed at a glance

Botanical name	Pontederia cordata f. albiflora (syn. P. cordata 'Alba')
Common name	White pickerel weed
Plant type	Upright, clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 50–80 cm tall, about 60 cm wide
Flowers	Pure white spikes, July to September
Position	Full sun
Soil	Loam-based aquatic compost in shallow water
Pond depth	8–15 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness	Fully hardy (no RHS H-rating published)
Native to	Not UK native

Where to plant white pickerel weed

A sunny pond shelf with 8–15 cm of water over the crown
Garden and wildlife ponds
Next to blue pickerel weed for contrast

Is it good for wildlife?

Yes. Nurseries report the flowers are very attractive to bees and are also visited by butterflies, and the leaves give cover and shade to pond wildlife.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in an aquatic basket of loam-based aquatic compost topped with gravel. It is fast-growing, so divide it every few years. It dies back in autumn and regrows in spring.

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.