Water Plants
Pontederia cordata
Pickerelweed
Blue-violet flower spikes rise above glossy leaves in summer, bringing color and pollinator activity to a sunny pond edge. This native aquatic perennial spreads from thick rhizomes, so a basket is useful in a smaller water garden.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun
- Pond placement
- Shallow pond margin or bog.
- Water depth
- Up to 12 in. of water above the soil.
- Winter care
- Hardy perennial locally; foliage dies back and rhizomes regrow in spring.
- Mature size
- Height: 2–4 ft. · Spread: 1½–2 ft.; colonies can expand
- Water
- Wet soil or shallow water
- Bloom
- Blue-violet spikes; summer.
Measure water above the planting soil, not total pond depth.
Sizes & prices
- 8"$26.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Resistant to deer browsing; not deer-proof.
- Wet soil
- Tolerates standing water.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Pollinators & wildlife
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
Native range
- Native range / parentage
- Native to eastern North America. Species native to Kentucky.
- Tristate native status
- Species native to Kentucky.
Water garden care
- Planting method
- Aquatic basket for pond-edge planting; keep spreading roots contained.
- Spread
- Contain rhizomes and divide when crowded.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and dead foliage.
Sources & photo credits
Reviewed September 27, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.