How to Grow Bogbean
Menyanthes trifoliata
Bogbean is a native aquatic wildflower that produces beautiful fringed white and pink star flowers in late spring. Plant in shallow water 10-20 cm deep or in a permanently wet bog. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and poor, acidic conditions — do not feed it. The trifoliate leaves are attractive all season. It spreads by creeping rhizomes and can be vigorous, so use aquatic baskets in formal ponds. Cut back dead foliage in autumn. Fully hardy and virtually maintenance-free once established.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
No feeding required. Bogbean is a native wildflower that thrives in nutrient-poor conditions. Feeding encourages excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Watch For
- Aphids on flower spikes
- Slugs on young foliage in spring
Companions
Marsh Marigold, Water Forget-Me-Not, Yellow Flag Iris, Bulrush
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Flowers best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. In deep shade, flowering is greatly reduced.
Watering
Grows in shallow water 10-20 cm deep or saturated bog
An aquatic or semi-aquatic marginal. Plant in 10-20 cm of water, or in permanently waterlogged bog soil. Never allows the roots to dry out.
Fertilizing
No feeding needed
Thrives in nutrient-poor conditions. Any feeding produces excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Cut back dead foliage in late autumn
Remove dead leaves and stems in late autumn to keep the planting tidy. Thin congested growth in spring to allow light to smaller neighbouring plants.
Growing Tips
Plant at the right depth
Bogbean grows best with the crown in 10-20 cm of water. Too deep and it will not flower well. It also grows in permanently waterlogged bog where soil stays saturated.
Do not feed
Bogbean is a native of nutrient-poor acid bogs and marshes. Feeding produces lush leafy growth with few flowers.
Excellent early bee plant
The fringed flowers are rich in nectar and provide an important early food source for bumblebees and other pollinators in late spring.
