Pickerel Rush
Pontederia cordata
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Aquatic
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
High (Aquatic)
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
North, Central, and South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Pickerel Rush is a vigorous, emergent aquatic perennial native to the Americas, forming clumps of large, heart-shaped leaves. It produces dense spikes of small, violet-blue flowers throughout the summer, rising above the water's surface. This plant is a cornerstone of healthy pond ecosystems, providing essential cover for fish and amphibians while its flowers are a magnet for native bees and other pollinators. Its ability to thrive in shallow water makes it perfect for pond margins.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a spot in full sun at the edge of a pond or in a bog.
- Plant rhizomes in a pot filled with heavy loam or clay soil.
- Top the pot with a layer of gravel to keep soil from washing away.
- Slowly lower the pot into the water to a depth of 3 to 12 inches.
- Alternatively, plant directly into the muddy bottom of a shallow pond.
- Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sun for best flowering.
Pro Tip
Plant in aquatic baskets to control its spread and make division easier in the future.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in a location protected from strong winds.
- Remove spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms.
- Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
Don't
- Do not let the soil dry out; it must remain consistently wet or submerged.
- Avoid planting in water deeper than 12 inches.
- Do not fertilize heavily, as this can pollute pond water.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pickerel Rush questions
What zones can Pickerel Rush grow in?
Pickerel Rush is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Pickerel Rush deer resistant?
Yes — Pickerel Rush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Pickerel Rush bloom?
Pickerel Rush typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pickerel Rush need full sun?
Pickerel Rush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
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Grow Pickerel Rush with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
