(Aquatic floater)

Water soldier is a very hardy floating plant, overwintering as submerged dormant buds and spending much of the year underwater, rising to the surface to flower during the summer. Rosettes of spiky pineapple like leaves grow to 20cm (8") and fine root hairs develop which anchor the plant. Curious white flowers are produced in July. Can be propagated in spring by detaching the new plantlets which grow out from the base. Suitable for small ponds. Plants are offered as bare root, full size, and should flower in their first year.