10 Pickerel Weed Seeds Pontederia cordata Wetland Wildflower for Rain Garden

Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata) is a striking aquatic perennial treasured by water gardeners for its glossy, heart-shaped foliage and tall spikes of vivid violet-blue flowers that rise above the waterline in summer. This native wetland species brings elegant vertical structure and color to pond edges, bog gardens, and rain gardens, where its blooms and foliage create a naturalistic, wildlife-friendly display year after year.

Ideal for planting along pond margins, in shallow standing water, or in consistently moist soils of rain gardens and water features. The lance-shaped flower spikes open progressively from bottom to top through the warm season, adding long-lasting color, while the broad green leaves provide lush textural contrast. Plants spread gradually by rhizomes to form attractive clumps and pair beautifully with other moisture-loving perennials such as iris, arrowhead, and sedges.

Species: Pontederia cordata
Type: Herbaceous aquatic perennial
Plant_Habit: Upright clumping, spreads by rhizomes
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist to wet, loamy or clay; tolerates shallow standing water
Zones: 3 to 10
Germination: Requires cold, moist stratification; surface sow and keep consistently wet
Sowing: Sow in moist medium, keep at 65 to 75F after a cold period, light needed for germination
Spacing: 12 to 18 inches
Notes: Prefers shallow water up to about 6 inches over the crown once established