Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos)

Water Hawthorn Pond Plant (Aponogeton distachyos)

Early flowering deep water pond plant with delicate scented white flowers that bring colour and interest to ponds from early spring and again in autumn.

Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos) is a beautiful and highly valued deep water pond plant known for its delicate white flowers and wonderfully fragrant blooms. Unlike many aquatic plants that only perform during the summer months, Water Hawthorn provides early and late season interest, making it an excellent choice for UK garden ponds where colour and structure can otherwise be limited during cooler periods.

One of the most appealing features of Water Hawthorn is its long flowering season. This plant begins producing elegant white flowers as early as March and often continues flowering through spring and into early summer. After a short resting period during the warmer months of August, it frequently flowers again in autumn and sometimes even into early winter if conditions are mild. The blooms have a subtle vanilla like fragrance and float gracefully on the water surface, creating a peaceful and natural look in wildlife ponds and ornamental water features.

The plant produces attractive floating leaves that sit neatly on the pond surface, providing gentle shade to the water beneath. This shading helps reduce excessive sunlight penetration, which can assist in limiting algae growth and keeping the pond ecosystem balanced. The floating foliage also offers shelter for amphibians, insects and small aquatic life, making Water Hawthorn a valuable addition to wildlife ponds.

Water Hawthorn grows best when planted in deeper areas of the pond where the water depth ranges from approximately 10 cm to 90 cm. It is well suited to both sunny and partially shaded locations, making it a versatile choice for many pond layouts. For the healthiest growth, it should be positioned in still water away from splashing fountains or fast flowing currents.

Although the leaves are delicate and can sometimes be damaged during transport, this is not a concern. Any damaged stems can simply be removed and the plant will quickly produce fresh new growth. With its hardy nature, elegant flowers and ability to provide seasonal interest when few other aquatic plants are active, Water Hawthorn is an excellent addition to both wildlife ponds and ornamental garden ponds.

When combined with summer flowering water lilies, Water Hawthorn helps create a pond planting scheme that delivers colour and interest throughout the entire year.

Deep Water plants do not require repotting; there is no need to remove the mesh basket.

🇬🇧 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

• Early flowering pond plant providing interest from March
• Produces fragrant white floating flowers
• Long flowering period from spring and again in autumn
• Provides natural shade that helps reduce algae growth
• Excellent for wildlife ponds and natural pond ecosystems
• Hardy and reliable deep water aquatic plant
• Complements water lilies for year round pond interest
• Suitable for sunny or partially shaded ponds
• Easy to grow and low maintenance

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Reasons to Buy

• One of the earliest flowering pond plants available in the UK
• Beautiful scented flowers add elegance to any pond
• Supports pond biodiversity and wildlife habitats
• Ideal companion plant for water lilies and marginal plants
• Reliable and hardy aquatic plant suited to UK climates
• Adds seasonal interest when many aquatic plants are dormant

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Care Instructions

• Water Hawthorn is an easy plant to grow and maintain.
• Plant in a suitable aquatic planting basket with aquatic compost
• Position in still water away from strong splashing fountains
• Gradually lower the plant into the pond so leaves can reach the surface
• Remove any damaged leaves or stems to encourage fresh growth
• Allow the plant to rest during its natural summer dormancy period
• Divide established plants if they become overcrowded

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Flowering Period

March to July, September to December

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Water Hawthorn 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:

• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm
• 10 Litre Square Basket – 29 × 29 × 19cm

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

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 rooted deep-water choice, compare Albatross Waterlily (Nymphaea ‘Albatross’) and Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides).

Explore more deep water 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.