Greater Spearwort | Ranunculus lingua Grandiflorus
Greater Spearwort | Ranunculus lingua Grandiflorus
Tall marginal pond plant with large, bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers, ideal for lakes and wetlands.
SAVE £10 when you buy 1ltr - Pack of 3
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A great native plant for large wildlife ponds, Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua ‘Grandiflorus’) thrives in large ponds, lakes and wetland areas, creating a vibrant and biodiverse habitat for pond life. From June to September, it produces striking buttercup-like yellow flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and beneficial insects.
With its long, lance-shaped green leaves, this tall aquatic perennial provides essential cover for amphibians and shelter for wildlife. Underwater, its long leafed foliage offers a safe hiding place for tadpoles and other pond creatures, making it an ideal choice for natural wildlife ponds.
Better suited for larger planting schemes where it can establish freely.
For smaller ponds, we recommend Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula), which offers similar benefits on a more compact scale, making it ideal for garden ponds and smaller water features.
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin/eye irritant
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Plant essentials
Key Characteristics:
- Height 60cm to 90cm
- Spread: up to 1m (Fast Growth)
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Depth: 10cm to 30cm
- Flower Colour: Bright yellow
- Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming
- Foliage: Long, Lance-Shaped Green Leaves
Additional Information:
- Common Name: Greater Spearwort
- Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Soil: Moist to wet, suitable for pond margins and boggy areas
- Flowering Period: June to August
- Hardiness: Hardy in most UK areas; tolerates -15°C to -10°C. (H5)
- UK Native 🇬🇧 | Supports Pollinators 🐝
Dispatch Information:
- Normally Available From: April
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 plant on a marginal shelf or in boggy soil at the required depth. Allow 5 x 1L plants per linear metre or 3 x 3L plants per linear metre for best coverage
Growing Tips: Grows best in full sun to partial shade. It is a vigorous spreader, making it ideal for large water bodies where it can establish naturally. In smaller ponds, it may require occasional management to prevent overgrowth and should be kept in its aquatic basket.
For best results, plant it in shallow standing water (0-15cm deep) or in permanently moist soil at the pond’s edge.
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Remove spent flowers and any excess growth in late autumn to prevent spreading. Divide clumps every few years to maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
Pests/Diseases: Rarely affected by pests or diseases but may attract aphids in spring. If necessary, rinse off with pond water or allow natural predators to control them.
Marginals - 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.
Ordering, Shipping & Returns
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.
Ordering Tip!
Many customers prefer to place two separate orders when ordering early in the season.
- One for plants available now.
- One for pre-order plants.
This ensures there are no delays, and you can enjoy your ready now plants sooner.
Shipping Prices
Plant Orders:
- Standard Delivery: £6.00.
- Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).
Highlands & Islands:
- Small Orders (<1.8kg): £6.00.
- 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, Republic of Ireland or Europe.
Read More about delivery prices
Couriers & Delivery Schedule
Couriers Used:
Royal Mail, APC, DX and Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).
Shipping Schedule
- Aquatic Plants: Dispatch Schedule varies dependant on season.
- Garden Plants: Dispatched twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.
If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk
Returns
Unpacking Your Plants
When your plants arrive, please unpack them carefully:
- Plants are packed in protective plastic bags. Check if any stems, leaves, or flowers are stuck to the inside of the bag before removing it.
- Gently peel off any stuck parts before removing the plant to prevent damage.
- Minor soil displacement or damage to leaves/stems during transit is normal and won’t affect the plant’s recovery.
If you’re concerned about your plants, take photos and email us, and we’ll assist you.
Damaged or Incorrect Items
If your plants or items arrive damaged, or you’ve received an incorrect item:
- Take clear photos of the packaging and damaged items.
- Email us with your order number (starting PFP) and the photos.
We’ll resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Returns of Plants/Molluscs (Non-Faulty)
Due to the perishable nature of plants and molluscs, we are unable to accept cancellations or returns for these items. If you are unhappy with your plant or mollusc, please take photos and email us with your order number (starting PFP).
For more details about returns and our full policy, please visit our Returns Policy

Grown in the UK
Aquatic Plants
All our plants come from a UK family run aquatic nursery, established over 50 years ago.