The pike herb keeps its roots completely in the water. But the flowers need fresh air. To ensure that the flower stems can protrude from the pond, the plant must not be planted too deep. With the recommendations of the experts you are on the safe side.
At what depth should pikeweed be planted?
The ideal planting depth for pikeweed is between 10 and 40 cm, depending on the species. For Pontederia lanceolata (giant pikeweed), the recommended planting depth is up to 40 cm, while for Pontederia cordata 10 to 30 cm is ideal.
An emergent plant
The pike herb, offered Pontederia, is one of the emergent plants. These are plants whose plant parts inhabit two different areas at the same time: water and air. While the roots and leaf bases disappear completely under water, leaves and flowers like to be surrounded by air.
Shallow water zone is ideal
The pike herb is a water hyacinth plant. It originally comes from swampy areas of North America. There you will find a low water level and a loamy-muddy bottom.
If you want to offer this plant its preferred living conditions in this country, it must be planted in the shallow water area of the pond. She won't feel comfortable in the middle of a deep pond, as the water will literally fill her up, or even drown her completely.
The pike herb can also feel at home in moor gardens. Planting in large tubs is also conceivable, as long as it is always moist enough.
Various species of pikeweed
In order to find the ideal depth in the shallow water zone, you should know which pike weed you have in your hands. There are several varieties available on the market. They reach different heights.
There are specimens that grow more than 1.5 m high. Others, on the other hand, can only manage 50 cm. The flower stems can also be of different lengths. Both are factors that influence planting depth.
Planting depth
Somewhere in the range of 10 to 40 cm is the optimal depth for a pike weed. Here are the values for two popular varieties:
- Pontederia lanceolata (giant pike herb): up to 40 cm
- Pontederia cordata: 10 to 30 cm
The ideal planting depth is usually stated on the sales packaging of aquatic or pond plants. You should stick to that.
Also pay attention to other aspects
It is not enough if one area of the pond allows ideal planting depth. In addition, the space should also meet the location requirements. The pikeweed wants to be reached by the sun. Partial shade is still tolerated, but shade is not possible at all.
Tip
Plant the pike weed using a basket. This means it can easily be taken out of the pond in autumn to overwinter in the house.
