Variegated Water Dropwort (Oenanthe javanica ‘Flamingo’)

Variegated Water Dropwort | Oenanthe javanica ‘Flamingo’

Stunning pink, cream and green foliage for vibrant pond margins and bog gardens

Variegated Water Dropwort ‘Flamingo’ (Oenanthe javanica ‘Flamingo’) is one of the most colourful marginal pond plants available, offering a spectacular display of pink, cream, and green foliage throughout the growing season. Unlike many pond plants that rely on flowers for visual appeal, this striking perennial provides months of colour from its beautifully variegated leaves, making it an excellent choice for brightening pond edges, bog gardens, streams, and damp borders.

The finely divided foliage emerges in spring with soft pink highlights that gradually blend with creamy white and fresh green tones. As the season progresses, the foliage becomes even more vibrant, with the pink colouring often intensifying during cooler autumn weather. This extended period of colour makes Oenanthe javanica ‘Flamingo’ a valuable plant for gardeners looking to create year round interest around ponds and water features.

Growing to approximately 30cm to 40cm in height while spreading up to 1 metre, Variegated Water Dropwort forms a dense carpet of attractive foliage that softens hard pond edges and fills gaps between larger marginal plants. It is particularly effective when planted alongside darker green foliage plants, where its bright colouring can really stand out.

During mid to late summer, delicate clusters of small white star shaped flowers appear above the foliage. Although the flowers are attractive, it is the exceptional leaf colour that makes this plant such a favourite amongst pond keepers and water gardeners.

This moisture loving perennial thrives in shallow water, pond margins, damp soil, and bog gardens. It performs best in full sun or partial shade, where the colourful foliage can develop fully. Its spreading growth habit makes it useful for naturalising pond edges and creating attractive ground cover around larger water features.

Variegated Water Dropwort is also beneficial for wildlife. Its dense growth provides shelter for frogs, newts, insects, and other pond creatures, helping to support a healthy ecosystem around your pond. The flowers also attract pollinators including bees and hoverflies during the summer months.

Please note that all parts of this plant are toxic if eaten and care should be taken around pets and children.

For gardeners looking for a colourful, low maintenance marginal plant that offers months of ornamental value, Oenanthe javanica ‘Flamingo’ is an outstanding choice.

🇬🇧 UK-grown aquatic plant: Grown at a dedicated aquatic plant nursery in the South of England and carefully prepared for delivery across the UK.

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Key Benefits

• Stunning pink, cream, and green variegated foliage
• Excellent colour from spring through autumn
• Ideal for pond margins, bog gardens, and damp borders
• Creates attractive ground cover around water features
• Provides shelter for amphibians and pond wildlife
• Easy to grow and low maintenance
• Suitable for wildlife ponds and ornamental water gardens
• Attractive white flowers during summer

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Reasons to Buy

• One of the most colourful marginal pond plants available
• Adds instant brightness to pond edges
• Long season of interest from foliage alone
• Fast growing and excellent for filling planting areas
• Hardy and reliable in UK conditions

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Care Instructions

• Plant Variegated Water Dropwort in shallow water, pond margins, or permanently moist soil.
• Position in full sun or partial shade for the strongest foliage colour.
• Trim stems occasionally during the growing season to encourage fresh growth and maintain a compact appearance.
• Remove dead foliage during late autumn or early spring.
• Divide established clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth and control spreading.
• Ensure adequate spacing between plants to encourage good air circulation.
• Caution: Toxic if eaten.

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Flowering Period

July to August

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Variegated Water Dropwort will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

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

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• Pack of 3 × 9cm Pots
• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square
• 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Plants supplied in 9cm pots require potting into suitable aquatic baskets before being placed in the pond.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

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Similar pond plants

For another pond-edge planting option, compare American Water Plantain (Alisma parviflorum) and Variegated Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegata’).

Explore more marginal pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range. Need baskets, aquatic soil or planting essentials? Browse our pond plant baskets and aquatic planting supplies.