The unexpected joy of growing Pickerelweed

I planted Pickerelweed without expecting much and it's become one of the most satisfying things in my garden. extraordinary flower forms rising above or floating on the water is something I couldn't have predicted from looking at it in a nursery. You only understand it once the plant is established and performing.

I keep it in a natural wildlife pond with naturalistic marginal planting which is perfect for it. planting in aquatic baskets with specialist pond compost was the thing I got lucky getting right early. peak flowering period in midsummer stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it. frost damage on tender varieties left in shallow water is a real thing — just check regularly and deal with it quickly.