Potamogeton

These hardy, aquatic perennials are natives of Europe and are naturalized in the ponds, rivers, lakes and streams across the northeastern and north central parts of the U.S. P. crispus is an attractive plant that grows submerged beneath the water. Commonly known as the Curled Pondweed, the stems of this plant can grow13 feet long or more. They are covered in slender, sessile leaves about 3 inches in length. The pretty, wavy-edged leaves are nearly translucent and vary in color from green to reddish-brown. These plants are not too invasive in the water garden.

Pot Cultivation

Pondweeds are usually sold in bunches with a lead strip wrapped around the base; since these plants grow beneath the water's surface, they are simply tossed into the water garden and allowed to sink. As long as they sink to the bottom they will be fine because they absorb most of their nutrients through their foliage. They shouldn't be allowed to float at the surface as this will most likely kill them. Since the roots of these plants are mainly used for anchoring them to the bottom, they can also be planted in containers filled with just pea gravel. These plants will survive the winter as long as they are below the ice levels of the water. In the fall, prune back the plants that have grown to the water's surface to prevent them from freezing and decomposing in the water.

Propagation

Stem cuttings can be taken.

P. densus.	P. crispus

VARIETIES

P. crispus; P. densus.