Bog or aquatic plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Iris is a genus of flowering plants with showy flowers ranging in color from gold or yellow to white, blue, lavender and purple. Pink and apricot colored irises have also been bred in some species. The name "Iris" can be applied either to the genus, or to any of the species within it. It is also applied to various subdivisions within the genus.

There are many species of Iris, widely distributed throughout the north temperate zone. All Irises have long stems and six-lobed flowers with three petals sagging downwards (actually large sepals in the same color as the flower), and three standing upright. Some smaller iris species have all six lobes pointing straight outwards. Typical irises grow from a creeping rhizome, but some species, known as bulbous irises, have a bulb. The cushion irises are somewhat fastidious growers, and to be successful with them they must be planted rather shallow in very gritty well-drained soil. They should not be disturbed in the, autumn, and after the leaves have withered the roots should be protected from heavy rains until growth starts again naturaily.

Beardless irises comprise the Pacific Coast irises, Siberian, Spuria, Laevigata the water or Japanese irises, Louisiana, Unguiculares and Crested irises. Louisiana iris can survive in cold climates with winter protection, moved to a cold frame or frost free cellar.

Caladium praetermissum (commonly sold as Hilo Beauty or Camouflage Alocasia) is valued for its striking, irregularly patterned foliage in shades of dark and light green with yellow accents, carried on distinctive bluish-black petioles. It thrives in shade to partial shade in moist, organically rich soil and grows well in boggy or aquatic settings. In USDA Zones 9 11 it can be planted outdoors year-round; in colder regions it is best grown in containers, kept frost-free, and provided with regular watering and light feeding during the active growing season. The names Alocasia Hilo Beauty and Colocasia Hilo Beauty are outdated or incorrect horticultural designations that became established in the trade due to long-standing misidentification.

Water hyacinth, is a distinctive floating plant that is suitable for indoor ponds and large open aquariums. It is also used as a summer plant in European garden ponds. Its size depends on the nutrients in the water and the light intensity. In open aquariums containing pure water it forms decorative miniature plants. It is now distributed all over the tropics and has become a menace, covering lake surfaces. In favourable conditions it forms an amazingly beautiful hyacinth-like flower.

It is sometimes known as the Water Gladiolus because of the attractive bi-colored flowers, 2.5cm (1in) across and gathered in a distinctive umbel at the top of stems which are taller than the long, narrow leaves.

The flavor is reminiscent of carrots or parsley. A major vegetable in many parts of the Orient, the leaves are a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Oenanthe javanica Flamingo - a variegated form with leaves splashed and zoned pale pink, cream and white, it has been especially recommended as a good ground cover plant for wet situations.

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus that contains a number of very poisonous plants and so some caution is advised.

In addition to the use of lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs common to all North American pitcher plants to force their prey into the trap, this species carefully hides the tiny exit hole from trapped insects by curling it underneath and offering multiple translucent false exits. Upon trying many times to leave via the false exits, the insect will tire and fall down into the trap. The slippery walls and hairs prevent the trapped prey from escaping. The only other species that utilizes this technique is the Parrot Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia psittacina.

Lysichiton americanus, also known as the Yellow Skunk Cabbage, is a small shrub native to western North America, usually growing between two and five feet in height. This unusual plant is one of few that can thrive in the full sun or in semi-shade, making it ideal to brighten up those harder-to-reach areas of the garden. It can also be grown as a bog or aquatic plant, and will require regular waterings to ensure its best performance.

The plant is highly recognisable by its large green leaves, and by its characteristic yellow or orange flowers that are often seen from late spring to midsummer. Its flowers give off a strong, unpleasant smell and have earned the Yellow Skunk Cabbage the nickname 'skunk cabbage'.

The Yellow Skunk Cabbage has a long and well-established history in ethnobotanical medicine. It has been used to treat a variety of ails, from stomach upset to body aches and pains. However, due to its high level of calcium oxylate it can be irritating when ingested, and so must be used with caution.

The Yellow Skunk Cabbage is surprisingly hardy, and can survive in USDA Zone 5 to 10. It can also be grown in colder climates, as long as it is planted in a pot so that it can be brought indoors during the winter. It also has a natural flood tolerance, with its thick rhizome network helping it to survive periods of flooding.

Care of the plant is relatively simple. Ensure it is watered regularly during the growing season, and protect it during colder temperatures by bringing it indoors. An established Yellow Skunk Cabbage should require minimal care to keep it looking at its best.

Mangroves are tropical plants that are adapted to loose, wet soils, salt water, and being periodically submerged by tides. Great for aquariums and ponds.

This dwarf Iris is highly variegated and incredibly striking. It produces light lavender flowers in spring. The show starts with rich purple flowers, then about mid summer, the leaves become shiny and heavily cream variegated. Likes most soils, not too dry and grows in water.

This species is similar to Iris japonica variegata, which has well ruffled mostly white flowers, striking variegated leaves, likes moist soil in part shade and spreads vigorously as opposed to Iris tectorum variegata that has a better behaved growth habit.