BULBS - Waterblommetjies - Aponogeton distachyos -Plant Now- Edible Flowers, Indigenous Bulbs - NEW

Aponogeton distachyos commonly known as Waterblommetjie in Afrikaans and Water Hawthorn or Cape Pond Weed in English is a perennial water plant with tuberous rhizomes which flowers in winter and early spring. It is indigenous to the Cape region of South Africa. The edible white flower spikes project above the water surface. They are 8cm tall and hawthorn scented. The leaves are decorative, oblong, 20cm long and 7cm wide. They are bright green, floating and spreading outwards over the surface of the water. In some localities flowering may continue sporadically throughout the year.

Plant waterblommetjie tubers in fish ponds, garden ponds, wishing wells or shallow reservoirs during autumn by simply dropping them into the water. The water should be reasonably clean. Tubers that do not sink should be tied to weights to make them submerge. If there is no mud sediment at the bottom of the pond, the tubers should be planted in pots containing rich composted soil. The depth of water over the plants should be 10-60cm. Space the plants about 1m apart. Germination is very fast. After only a few days the sprouts of foliage will be visible. The plants like a sunny position but will also do well in light shade. The rhizomes multiply freely. Thin them out over a few years to prevent overcrowding.

Waterblommetjies can withstand light frost. Except for thinning them out when overcrowded, these plants need no attention and are not subject to any pests or disease. All they require is reasonably clean pond water.