Frogbit (Hydrocharis Morsus Ranae)

Frogbit (Hydrocharis Morsus Ranae)

A charming native floating pond plant with heart shaped leaves and delicate white flowers, perfect for creating shade, improving water quality and supporting pond wildlife.

Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus ranae) is a beautiful native floating pond plant that brings both visual appeal and practical benefits to any garden pond. With its small, glossy heart shaped leaves and delicate white flowers, Frogbit creates a natural, soft appearance on the water’s surface while playing an important role in maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem.

This free floating plant spreads gently across the water, forming clusters of rounded leaves that resemble miniature waterlilies. During the summer months, it produces small, attractive white flowers with a yellow centre, adding subtle seasonal interest. Although each plant is relatively small, typically spreading between 2 cm and 7 cm, it can quickly multiply and form a light floating cover across the pond surface.

Frogbit is particularly valuable for improving water quality. It absorbs excess nutrients such as nitrates directly from the water, helping to reduce algae growth and keep the pond clear. By limiting sunlight penetration, the floating leaves also help control water temperature and reduce the conditions that lead to blanketweed and green water.

This plant is ideal for wildlife ponds, as it provides essential shelter and protection for fish, amphibians and pond insects. Frogs, newts and tadpoles often use the roots and leaves as a safe place to hide from predators, while insects benefit from the calm shaded areas it creates.

Frogbit thrives in still or slow moving water and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced pond keepers. In autumn, the plant naturally dies back and produces small winter buds that sink to the bottom of the pond. These buds overwinter and rise again in spring, allowing the plant to return year after year.

As a native UK species, Frogbit is perfectly suited to local conditions and contributes positively to biodiversity. Whether used in wildlife ponds, ornamental water features or natural swimming ponds, it is a simple yet highly effective way to improve both the look and health of your pond.

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Key Benefits

• Native UK floating pond plant
• Provides natural shade to reduce algae growth
• Helps improve water clarity by absorbing excess nutrients
• Produces delicate white flowers in summer
• Creates shelter for frogs, newts and pond insects
• Easy to grow and low maintenance
• Ideal for wildlife ponds and natural garden designs
• Spreads naturally to create a balanced pond surface cover

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Reasons to Buy

• One of the best floating plants for improving pond health
• Perfect for creating a natural wildlife friendly pond
• Helps control algae without chemicals
• Attractive leaves and flowers add visual interest
• Simple to introduce and maintain

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Care Instructions

• Place directly onto the pond surface and allow it to float freely
• Best suited to still or slow moving water
• Grow in full sun or partial shade
• Thin out regularly to prevent overcrowding
• Remove yellowing or decaying leaves to maintain water quality
• Protect from excessive disturbance by fish or wildfowl if needed

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Flowering Period

July to August

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Size and Growing Conditions

Height
0 cm to 5 cm (floating plant)

Spread
Individual plant 2 cm to 7 cm
Spreads naturally across pond surface

Growth Habit
Free floating and spreading

Growth Rate
Medium

Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade

Water Type
Still or slow moving water

Hardiness
Hardy in most UK areas (H5)

Native
UK native species

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Our floating plants are carefully packed to ensure they arrive in excellent condition and ready to use.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods dispatch may occasionally take an extra day due to order volumes.

To avoid delays over weekends, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. In peak season special Saturday deliveries may occasionally be used. Orders going to Highlands and Islands that require a two day courier service are not dispatched on Thursdays.

Plants arrive in a tub or bag and can be placed straight onto the pond surface upon arrival.

Each pack contains 5 plants.