Frogbit (Asian)

Hydrocharis dubia is a charming floating aquatic plant that serves as a slightly more exotic alternative to the native Frogbit. It produces small, heart-shaped, bright green leaves that float on the water's surface, creating a carpet that helps to suppress algae by shading the water. In summer, it produces dainty, three-petalled white flowers with a yellow center, which are slightly larger and more robust than its European cousin. This plant is excellent for providing shade and shelter for fish and tadpoles. While many floating plants can be invasive, this species is manageable and provides essential surface cover. In the UK, it behaves as a tender perennial; in colder regions, it produces turions (resting buds) that sink to the bottom of the pond in autumn to overwinter, reappearing when the water warms in spring. It prefers still water in a sunny position.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Floating.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.