Cat's tail
Cattail. Beautiful Flowering Shoreline Plant.
This bog cq riparian plant is a wonderful addition to your garden. The magnificent purple flowers of Cattail are a special sight from late June to early September and attract many butterflies. It is a fast-growing plant that is perfectly at home in marshy or wet banks up to about 10 cm deep. This plant grows about 0.75 to 1.5 metres tall and grows quickly, so you do need to keep an eye on its placement. Incidentally, this plant can also be used as a border plant.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the large Cat's Tail (Lythrum salicaria) common in nature. The plant is therefore hardy and re-emerges in spring. This riparian plant is native to the northern hemisphere and used to be used as a medicinal plant.
Besides the native Aarveder herb, the Oriental variety is also available. Don't let the name fool you too much; this species does fine in Dutch ponds and survives cold winters without any problems.
Cattail Properties
- Latin name: (Lythrum salicaria)
- Planting depth: up to approx. 10 cm
- Position: sun
- Height up to approximately 1 - 1.5 metres
- Flowering time: July-September
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of cattail in your pond?
This marsh plant grows quickly and thus has a high nutrient requirement. If Cat's Tail is placed in the pond, for example in a pond basket, it indirectly absorbs nutrients from the pond water. As a result, filamentous and floating algae have less food available and have less opportunity to grow, keeping the water clearer. Incidentally, we also recommend oxygen plants in the pond!
What is the flowering time of cattail?
Cattail usually blooms from June to September, depending on climate and location. Its long, showy flowering spikes are filled with bright purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. During the flowering period, the plant constantly develops new blossoms on the flowering spikes, ensuring prolonged and profuse blooms. The flowers grow from bottom to top, so the flowering spikes remain decorative in the garden for a long time.
What is the planting depth of cattail?
It is a fast-growing plant that is perfectly at home in marshy or wet banks up to about 10 cm deep. This plant grows about 0.75 to 1.5 metres tall and grows quickly, so you do need to keep an eye on its placement.
How do I maintain cattail?
Cattail maintenance is relatively easy, as it is a sturdy, hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. The main maintenance steps are to ensure adequate moisture, especially during dry periods, as the plant naturally likes moist soil. Cattail grows best in full sun or semi-shade, and although it needs little fertiliser, you can add a little organic manure in spring to encourage flowering. Prune the plant in early spring to remove dead stems and encourage new growth. To maintain a neat, compact shape, you can prune the plant in between or remove spent flowers. It is also wise to keep an eye on young plants, as cattail can easily spread via seed. By removing seedlings in time, you prevent it from taking over the garden.
Is cattail native?
Yes, cattail is native to Europe and parts of Asia, including the Netherlands and Belgium. It is a wild plant often found in moist environments such as along river banks, ditches, swamps and wet meadows. In its natural habitat, cattail plays an important role in the ecosystem, especially for pollinating insects. Although the plant is native to Europe, it has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as North America, and is sometimes considered an invasive species there.
Is cattail hardy?
Yes, cattail is a hardy plant. It copes well with cold temperatures and survives most winters in temperate climates without any problems. During winter, the above-ground part of the plant dies off, but the root system remains intact and sprouts again in spring. As the plant is hardy, you don't need to take any special measures to protect it from frost. However, you can choose to prune away the dead stems in autumn or early spring to give the plant a neater look.
Buy cat tail?
Cat's tail is for sale through The Pond Master's webshop. Here you can find beautiful bunches of high quality.
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