How to Grow Pickerel Plant
iNaturalist
Pickerel Plant
Pontederia cordata
flowerPickerel plant is a semi-aquatic perennial native to North America, prized for its attractive purple-blue flower spikes and glossy heart-shaped foliage. It thrives in shallow water environments like pond edges, wetlands, and rain gardens, serving as both an ornamental and ecological asset. The plant is also known as pickerelweed or wampee.
When should you plant Pickerel Plant in your zone?
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Example Pickerel Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pickerel Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Pickerel Plant blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pickerel Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10, with best performance in zones 5-9
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Establishment
3-4 weeksNew plants develop roots and establish in moist/wet conditions; initial foliage emerges from crown
Ensure consistent moisture and water depth; avoid disturbance during establishment; plant in spring
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksGlossy, heart-shaped leaves expand and stems elongate; plant fills in its space with robust foliage
Maintain water level; provide full sun; remove any dead or damaged leaves; fertilize monthly with aquatic plant fertilizer
Flowering
4-8 weeks (mid-summer to fall)Dense, tubular purple-blue flower spikes (4-6 inches tall) emerge above foliage; individual florets open progressively
Continue regular watering and feeding; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; support tall spikes if needed in windy areas
Seed Development
2-3 weeksFlowers fade and small seed capsules develop; foliage may begin to yellow in cooler climates
Allow flowers to remain for self-seeding if desired; or deadhead to redirect energy; reduce fertilizer
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick affected leaves; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Remove by hand; introduce snail-eating fish like bluegill; maintain water circulation
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Remove affected leaves; improve water circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe
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Increase humidity and water spray; use neem oil or miticide if necessary
Uses
Ornamental Aquatic Display
HouseholdPickerel plant's striking purple-blue flower spikes and glossy foliage make it an excellent focal point in water gardens, pond edges, and landscape water features. The dense growth creates natural screening and visual interest throughout the growing season. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while the dense foliage provides shelter and nesting material for waterfowl and aquatic invertebrates. Seeds feed waterfowl and other water birds. [source]
Water Purification & Wetland Function
HouseholdPickerel plant removes excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from water, helping reduce algal blooms and improving water quality in ponds and constructed wetlands. It's commonly used in rain gardens and bioswales. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalNative Americans used pickerel plant for various traditional remedies, including treatment of urinary and kidney ailments. Modern herbalism occasionally references its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Cut Flower & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe unique purple-blue flower spikes make striking additions to fresh floral arrangements, vases, or water displays. Flowers last several days when cut at the right stage of bloom. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pickerel plant is grown ornamentally rather than harvested for use. Cut flower spikes can be used in fresh arrangements—harvest when 1-2 flowers are open by cutting stems just above the water line. For seed collection, allow flower spikes to dry on the plant and collect seed capsules in late fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pickerel plant got its common name from the pickerel fish (a type of pike) that commonly inhabits the shallow waters where the plant grows, making it a reliable indicator of good pickerel habitat.
- 🌱 The flower spikes are unique in that individual florets bloom progressively from bottom to top over several days, extending the visual display and providing an extended nectar source for pollinators.
- 🌱 Pickerel plant can adapt to growing conditions ranging from shallow water to moist margins, making it extremely versatile for different water garden designs and wetland restoration projects.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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