Hydrophyllum virginianum (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Dappled shade
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 60cm
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Boraginaceae
Hydrophyllum virginianum is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a spreading habit. Its dark green leaves often have white spots, are pinnate with serrate margins and up to 5 leaflets, 15cm long and 10cm across. Its pale purple/ white flowers are up to 12mm long, appear terminally as dense cymes which are up to 5cm across and 10cm long. Its roots have rhizomes which aids its spread.
Hydrophyllum virginianum Flower (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Hydrophyllum virginianum, commonly known as Virginia Waterleaf or Eastern Waterleaf, is native to east North America. In its native habitat it grows in deciduous woodlands and clearings.
The etymological root of the binomial name Hydrophyllum is derived from the Greek hydro meaning ‘water’ and phylum meaning ‘leaf’. Virginianum is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Virginia, USA’.
Hydrophyllum virginianum Leaf (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Hydrophyllum virginianum useful as a deciduous ground cover perennial with attractive late spring to early summer flowers.
Ecologically, Hydrophyllum virginianum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees.
Hydrophyllum virginianum prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Hydrophyllum virginianum requires little maintenance.
Landscape Architecture
