Pontederia cordata White Pike

Pontederia cordata 'White Spike' is an aquatic, perennial, and deciduous plant with long lanceolate green leaves. It produces white flowers grouped in upright spikes from June to August. This superb species, which is not very resistant to frost, is used for decorating ponds where it thrives vigorously. 'White Spike' is particularly well-suited for containers or small ponds.

Pontederia cordata 'White Pike' belongs to the family Pontederiaceae. It is a selection derived from Pontederia cordata, native to the shallow shores of North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida. This deciduous perennial plant reaches a height of 60 cm (24in) with a spread of 80 cm (32in), and it has a rapid growth. It blooms from June to autumn, producing dense spikes of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) composed of bell-shaped white flowers, resembling those of orchids. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous. The lanceolate, shiny, heart-shaped leaves are 12 cm (5in) wide and 25 cm (10in) long, remaining dark green throughout the season. They are sometimes spotted with brown. It has a thick and running rootstock. It has a good purifying value (purifying value of reeds divided by two)*.

Plant Pontederia 'White Pike' in rich soil, submerged from 0 to 30 cm (0 to 12in), or in 35 cm (14in) x 35 cm (14in) baskets, preferably in spring, burying the rootstock 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) deep in the mud, or by submerging the baskets. The substrate should ideally be humus-bearing and clayey or clayey loam. This plant has no particular requirement regarding soil pH, which can be slightly alkaline, neutral, or slightly acidic. Plant it in full sun or partial shade. You can remove faded flowers to promote the appearance of new flower spikes. It is hardy as long as it is submerged in at least 20 cm (8in) of water. You can protect the stumps in case of severe frost, but it is more prudent to keep some tubers frost-free to replant them in spring. It is highly resistant to urban pollution.

　

Pontederia cordata 'White Pike' is ideal in a pond, a garden pond, or for decorating a patio container. This plant can be used for mass planting in flooded areas, in turf moors. *Phytoremediation or purifying plants, like Pontederia cordata, are increasingly used for small private wastewater treatment plants and also when installing natural swimming pools, ecological pools. First and foremost, they provide oxygen to the bacteria on the roots. These bacteria transform organic matter into mineral matter and nutrients. Secondly, the plant feeds on nutrients and absorbs elements that we want to eliminate, such as nitrates, phosphorus, heavy metals. The fruits of Pontederia were once consumed fresh, roasted, or ground into powder.