Aquatic Plant Profile: Showy marshwort

Showy marshwort (Nymphoides spinulosperma) in a small native lilly type species that has small 10cm lily pads it sends to the water's surface. It is a great addition to a shallower pond that would otherwise not accommodate a more traditional lilly. 

Marshwort provides great shelter for fish within a pond and as it does not go dormant. It will continue to provide safety in the winter months, unlike a traditional lilly that would die back to its rhizome. 

This plant can quickly fill a pond so ensure it is planted in a pot or managed vigilantly to avoid it spreading throughout the whole system.

Propagation is conducted by trimming runners once they develop roots, they can then be transplanted into a sand medium to establish and grow. It is a very easy plant to propagate.

It produces clumps of fluffy, canary yellow flowers above the water line and is a wonderful addition to any water feature. The flowers attract small insects and pollinators and will open and close with the sun which makes for an excellent time lapse!