Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
Frogbit
Common names: European Frogbit
Photo: Christian Fischer · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) is a native floating aquatic plant that covers the surface of ponds and small lakes with its small, water‑lily‑like leaves. From June to August it produces delicate, three‑leafed white flowers that hover just above the water. The plant does not root in the substrate; instead it floats freely on long, filamentous roots. In autumn it forms small winter buds that sink to the bottom and survive the winter there.
Care instructions
Plant frogbit from May to week 22 directly into calm, nutrient‑rich pond water, preferably in a sunny to partially shaded spot. It needs no soil and can float freely, spreading on its own under good conditions. In summer remove excess plants with a net to keep the water surface from becoming completely covered and to allow light for other aquatic life. The winter buds sink to the bottom in October; no additional care is needed in winter. In spring, from mid‑April (week 16), they rise again. If the water is too nutrient‑poor, add some decomposed compost around the pond edge instead of a fertilizer.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, nutrient-rich, humus-rich
Feeding
Medium feeder
Notes from real gardens
What other gardeners have written down about this variety — anonymous, voluntary.
No notes shared yet. Will you be the first to write one down?