Menyanthes

M. trifoliata is a hardy aquatic plant that is native to the bogs of North America. The Bogbean, as it is commonly called, has spongy, trailing roots, from which grow smooth, green, partially prostrate stems. These stems are clothed with olive-green leaves consisting of three leaflets. Roots grow along the length of the stem and sink into the soil. In mid-spring, long stems, 10 to 16 inches in length, are topped with small, white, fringed flowers. This plant doesn't flower well, if at all, in the very warm parts of the U.S.

Pot Cultivation

Bogbeans are easily grown in pots on the edges of ponds or in very shallow water. Simply insert a rooted piece of stem into the soil and allow the rhizome to trail across the surface of the soil in the pot. The pot can be set in water, 1 to 3 inches over the rootstock, in sun or partial shade. Bogbeans thrive in acidic soil as they grow naturally in peat bogs. The creeping stems will grow out of their pot and probably root in other pots or along the pond edge. Take care that it doesn't grow out of bounds. This plant may take a couple of years from when planted to become established and make very lush growth.

Propagation

Rooted pieces may be taken from spring to summer and inserted in soil.

M. trifoliata

VARIETIES

M. trifoliata