Arrowhead | Sagittaria sagittifolia
Arrowhead | Sagittaria sagittifolia
Native aquatic perennial with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and white flowers; ideal for pond margins.
SAVE £7.50 when you buy 1ltr - Pack of 3
Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) is a native aquatic perennial renowned for its striking arrow-shaped leaves and delicate white flowers with dark purple centres, which bloom from June to September. Ideal for pond margins and shallow waters. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this plant not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of water gardens but also supports local wildlife by providing nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
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Plant essentials
Key Characteristics:
- Height 50cm to 70cm
- Spread: up to 50cm (Medium Growth)
- Depth: 1cm to 20cm
- Flower Colour: White with dark purple centres
- Growth Habit: Tuberous perennial with emergent, floating, and submerged leaves
- Foliage: Deciduous; emergent leaves are arrow-shaped, submerged leaves are long and narrow.
Additional Information:
- Common Name: Arrowhead, Old World Arrowhead, Common Arrowhead
- Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Soil: Moist to wet, suitable for pond margins and boggy soils
- Flowering Period: June to September
- Hardiness: Hardy in the UK; tolerates -20°C to -15°C. (H6)
- Normally Available From: June/July
- UK Native 🇬🇧 | Pollinator Friendly 🐝
Your Plant At Arrival
Your marginal plant will arrive in a Finofil Aquatic Basket, pre-planted with aquatic soil and a slow-release fertiliser. Just pop straight into you pond upon arrival!
Aquatic Basket Measurements:
- 1ltr - Square pot (11cm wide by 11cm high)
- 3ltr - Hexagonal pot (18cm wide x 16cm high
- 5ltr - Square pot (24cm wide x 14cm high)
- 9cm plants arrive in solid pots and will need repotting into aquatic baskets.
How to Grow
Growing Instructions: Place the plant on a marginal shelf at the recommended depth. Allow 5 x 1ltr plants per linear metre or 3 x 3ltr plants per linear metre.
Growing Tips: Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) propagates via bulbils, small bulb-like structures that form on stolons. In late summer or autumn, collect these bulbils from the surrounding mud or basket edges and replant them into aquatic compost to encourage new growth. Remove dead foliage in autumn to maintain plant health, and divide tubers in early spring to promote vigorous growth and prevent overcrowding.
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Regularly check the plant's basket, as bulbils may deplete the parent plant's energy. Remove spent foliage and replant bulbils annually to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding.
Pests/Diseases: Typically unaffected by common pests or diseases.
Good to Know
How Deep Should I Place My Marginals?
The planting depth depends on the variety. Check the product page or the care label included with your plant for specific guidance.
Depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water’s surface.
Most marginals are fine placed 1cm to 2cm under the waterline, just enough to hide the aquatic basket.
How Many Marginals Do I Need?
Measure the length of your marginal shelves and then allow:
- 1ltr Plants: 5 per linear metre
- 3ltr Plants: 3 per linear metre
Tip: Leave space between plant varieties to prevent dominant species from taking over. For more details, see our Planting Guide.
Do I Need to Line My Basket with Hessian?
No, Finofil aquatic baskets are designed with a fine mesh that prevents soil loss. Adding a liner is optional but not necessary.
What Are Finofil Baskets Made From?
Finofil aquatic baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic and manufactured in the UK. They can be recycled at local recycling centres or through kerbside collections that accept black plastic. Plant labels are also recyclable.
Will Carp or Ducks Eat My Plants?
Carp (inc. Koi): These fish find pond plants irresistible! If you have carp, we recommend protecting your plants with barriers.
Goldfish: Goldfish may nibble on oxygenators and softer plants but generally cause less damage. They also eat insects, larvae, and tadpoles.
Wildfowl: Ducks and other birds may eat plants or damage roots while nesting. Mature plants with strong root systems are more resilient, but consider protecting roots/rhizomes for added security.
Pre-Ordering, Shipping & Delivery
Pre-Order Information
What is a Pre-Order?
Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.
Benefits of Pre-Ordering:
- Secure popular plants before they sell out.
- Receive healthy, pond-ready plants straight from the grower.
Plant Availability:
Plants are released in phases:
- Phase 1 (March–April): Ships by late April (e.g., Water Hawthorn, Marsh Marigold).
- Phase 2 (May): Ships by late May (e.g., Loosestrife, Frogbit).
- Phase 3 (June): Ships by late June (e.g., Pickerel Weed).
Note: Orders with pre-order and ready-to-ship plants will be shipped together. To avoid delays, place separate orders.
Shipping Prices
Plant Orders:
- Standard Delivery: £5.00.
- Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).
Highlands & Islands:
- Small Orders (<1.8kg): £5.00.
- Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.
Soil & Gravel:
Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.
Container Ponds:
Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.
Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland due to regulations.
Read More about delivery prices
Couriers & Delivery Schedule
Couriers Used:
Royal Mail, APC, Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).
Current Shipping Schedule:
- Season: Autumn/Winter (October–February).
- Dispatch Days: Weekly on Tuesdays.
Orders with pre-order plants will be held until all items are ready to ship.
If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk
Aquatic Plants
All our plants come from a UK family run aquatic nursery, established over 50 years ago.