Water primrose
Ludwigia peploides · Onagraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant water primrose: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Type
- Aquatic herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- July to September
- Flowers
- Yellow, small and discrete
- Growth
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate (temperate zones)
- Origin
- South America
Care
Watering
Creeping primrose willow is an aquatic or paludal plant: keep the substrate constantly moist or submerged depending on your setup (pond, wetland, humid terrarium). In terrestrial environments, water regularly without letting it dry out. Use soft water if possible, as it tolerates waters low in calcium better.
Light exposure
Place the plant in full sun or bright light (at least 4 to 6 hours per day) for optimal growth and flowering. In shade, the plant becomes etiolated and develops poorly. A sunny position strengthens its vigor.
Substrate and aquatic environment
Use a rich, slightly acidic substrate (potting soil, loam, or aquatic plant substrate). Creeping primrose willow adapts to different environments but prefers fertile, well-drained soil when grown out of water. In ponds, it thrives in shallow areas or on wet banks.
Pruning and control
Prune regularly to contain very rapid growth and prevent it from becoming invasive. Cut stems that spread too widely and remove dead or diseased parts. This plant can become invasive: frequent monitoring is recommended.
Fertilization
In naturally rich aquatic environments, little to no fertilizer is necessary. When grown in pots or in poor conditions, apply diluted fertilizer for aquatic plants in spring and summer. Avoid excess, which promotes algae proliferation.
Pests and diseases
Creeping primrose willow is generally robust under suitable conditions. In stagnant or overly humid environments, watch for rotting. Few specific pests; maintain good water circulation and a balanced environment to prevent any problems.
Did you know?
Creeping primrose willow has become a feared invasive species in France and Western Europe, gradually suffocating natural aquatic ecosystems. Originally from South America, it was likely introduced as an ornamental aquarium plant before escaping into wild environments. Its extremely rapid vegetative reproduction capacity makes it very difficult to eradicate once established.
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
- Pink evening primroseOenothera speciosa
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- Hardy fuchsiaFuchsia magellanica
- Evening primroseOenothera fruticosa
- Bolivian fuchsiaFuchsia boliviana
- ClockweedOenothera lindheimeri
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.