How to Grow Pickerel rush

Pickerel rush

Pontederia cordata

flower

Pickerel rush is a semi-aquatic perennial plant native to North America, featuring tall spikes of vibrant purple-blue flowers and attractive lance-shaped leaves. It thrives in shallow water environments and is commonly used in water gardens, ponds, and wetland restoration projects. The plant is highly adaptable and provides excellent wildlife habitat while adding ornamental value to aquatic landscapes.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering

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Water: Requires consistently wet to aquatic conditions; plant in 6-18 inches of water depth. Tolerates standing water and can grow in saturated soil. Prefers permanent moisture; avoid allowing soil to dry out.

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Spacing: 18-24 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from planting to first flowers

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Planting depth: Plant crown at or slightly above water level; roots should be submerged in soft soil or sediment

Soil

Type: Rich, wet loamy or clay soil; performs well in pond sediment and muck

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted organic matter Aquatic plant fertilizer tablets Peat moss for container cultivation

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-11; highly cold-hardy and heat-tolerant

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a

Growth Stages

Sprouting

2-3 weeks

Initial emergence of new shoots and leaves from rhizomes; plants are small with 2-4 leaves

Keep soil consistently wet; protect from wind; ensure adequate water depth; apply diluted aquatic fertilizer

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Rapid expansion of foliage; long lance-shaped leaves emerge on tall petioles; plant reaches 1-2 feet in height

Maintain water level; apply monthly aquatic plant fertilizer; remove any dead or damaged leaves; monitor for pests

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at the tips of tall inflorescences; dense spike formation becomes visible above foliage

Ensure consistent water depth and full sun exposure; continue fertilizing; remove competing algae or debris around plants

Flowering

6-8 weeks

Dense spikes of small, tubular purple-blue flowers bloom sequentially from bottom to top; flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators

Maintain optimal light and water conditions; deadhead spent flower clusters to extend blooming; fertilize bi-weekly

Seed Development & Dormancy

8-12 weeks

After flowering, seed pods develop; foliage begins to senesce in fall; plant dies back to rhizomes in winter

Allow seed heads to mature for wildlife food; cut back dead foliage in late fall; reduce fertilizing; ensure water doesn't freeze solid over rhizomes

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Water lilies Cattails Arrowhead Iris Rushes Sedges Pickerelweed Joe-Pye weed

Avoid planting near:

Invasive aquatic plants like water hyacinth Aggressive floating plants that shade water surface Highly competitive marginal plants that may overtake smaller specimens

Common Pests

Hand-remove affected leaves; introduce dragonfly nymphs; neem oil applications in non-critical water systems; remove heavily damaged leaves
Remove by hand; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; avoid pesticides in water garden environments
Increase water spray to foliage; apply horticultural oils; improve air circulation; maintain healthy plant vigor
Remove infected leaves promptly; improve water circulation; avoid overhead watering; allow foliage to dry between waterings if possible

Uses

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Pollinator & Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

Pickerel rush flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while providing seeds and cover for waterfowl and wetland fauna. The plant creates essential habitat structure in pond and wetland ecosystems. [source]

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Edible Seeds & Tubers

Culinary

Indigenous peoples historically harvested the seeds and starchy tubers as food sources. Both parts are edible when properly processed and prepared. [source]

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Water Garden Ornamental

Household

Pickerel rush is a premier choice for ornamental ponds, water gardens, and constructed wetlands, providing height, color contrast, and seasonal interest. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Some Native American traditions used pickerel rush preparations for diuretic and anti-inflammatory purposes, though scientific validation is limited. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Craft

The tall flower spikes and attractive foliage make pickerel rush excellent for fresh water arrangements and long-lasting cut flower displays. [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 rush is ornamental; harvest flowers for fresh arrangements by cutting stems in early morning when blooms are fully open. Seeds mature in fall (September-October) and can be collected for propagation. Allow seed pods to dry on plant before collecting. For propagation, divide rhizomes in spring before new growth emerges—each division should have at least one growth point.

Fun Facts

🌱 Pickerel rush gets its common name from the pickerel fish, which favor the dense cover and habitat provided by this plant in its native wetland environment.
🌱 A single mature clump of pickerel rush can produce hundreds of seeds, making it an excellent choice for wetland restoration and erosion control projects.
🌱 The plant is a hyperaccumulator of heavy metals and has been studied for phytoremediation—its ability to absorb and concentrate contaminants from polluted water bodies.

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