Lesser Water-plantain

A charming UK native that is perfect for wildlife-focused ponds. Baldellia ranunculoides forms low tufts of narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces delicate, three-petalled flowers that are pale pink to white with a distinctive yellow centre. These flowers appear in loose clusters and look somewhat like miniature buttercups. It is a diminutive plant, making it an excellent choice for small garden ponds or even pebble-lined beach areas of larger water features. It prefers shallow water or saturated mud at the pond's edge. Being an indigenous species, it is perfectly adapted to the British climate and provides a valuable nectar source for small insects. It is also known to be a host plant for various aquatic invertebrates. It is easy to grow and will often self-seed in suitable conditions, creating a naturalised, informal look. It is fully hardy and requires little maintenance other than clearing away dead foliage in autumn.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Saturated mud or shallow water.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul, Aug.