Cultivation

In an outdoor pool grow in a largecontainer in heavy loam enriched with well-rotted farmyard manure or compost, in full sun. As growth proceeds, gradually lower thecontainers to increase the water depth to 40-60cm (16-24in), or 15-22cm (6-9in) for smaller cultivars. Remove fading foliage. In cold areas, reduce the water level gradually in autumn, remove thecontainer and overwinter in frost-free conditions, keeping the rhizomes just moist. Under glass, grow in largecontainers in an indoor pool in full light. Seepond plants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring, preferably scarified before sowing, at a minumum temperature of 25°C (77°F) in small containers of loam covered by 5cm (2in) of water. Increase water depth and container size until plants are large enough to plant in the flowering site. Propagate bydivision of the fragile rhizomes, which resent disturbance. In spring, plant rootstock horizontally just below the soil surface, and barely submerge until growth starts

Suggested planting locations and garden types

• Patio and container plants

Pruning

Cut away fading foliage

Pests

May be susceptible toglasshouse red spider mite andglasshouse whitefly

Diseases

Generally disease-free