Limosella aquatica
Limosella aquatica · Scrophulariaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant limosella aquatica: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Type
- Annual or semi-aquatic herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 5 to 15 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, linear and fleshy
- Flowering
- June to September, pink or white flowers
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, thermophilic plant
- Origin
- Temperate humid regions of Europe and Asia
- Natural habitat
- Muddy banks, amphibious zones, moist gravels
Care
Watering
Aquatic mudwort appreciates very humid to constantly moist conditions. Keep the spongy substrate regularly saturated with water, without creating excessive stagnation. In basin or container cultivation, maintain 2 to 5 cm of shallow water above the soil.
Light Exposure
Place this plant in a bright location, in partial shade or moderate sun. It tolerates light shade but flowers better with 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily.
Soil
Choose a substrate rich in organic matter, slightly acidic, with good moisture retention: peat moss + peat + coarse sand. The soil must remain permanently moist, close to natural bank conditions.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted and applied every 15 days during the growing season (spring-summer). For container plants, prefer moderate application to avoid overloading the ecosystem.
Pruning
No mandatory pruning. You can remove faded or dead parts to encourage branching and maintain a compact shape, especially at the end of summer.
Diseases and Pests
Generally robust plant, little sensitive to pests. Watch for rot in case of prolonged water stagnation. Indoors, gentle ventilation limits fungal risks.
Did you know?
Aquatic mudwort is a fascinating amphibious species: it adapts to two modes of life depending on its environment, growing either submerged and floating, or terrestrial on muddy banks. This ecological plasticity makes it an excellent bioindicator of wetlands and hydrological changes. Historically little known to amateur gardeners, it mainly interests botanists and enthusiasts of paludariums, aquariums, or specialized water gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Butterfly bushBuddleja davidii
- Texas barometer bushLeucophyllum frutescens
- Buddleja virgataBuddleja virgata
- Butterfly bushBuddleja alternifolia
- Bride's SaddleDiascia rigescens
- Buddleja fallowianaBuddleja fallowiana
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.