Hydrocotyle, Genus, novae-zeelandiae, Species,
- Genus & species
New Zealand pennywort
Overview
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae is a low, creeping perennial groundcover growing 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) tall and spreading by rooting runners across damp ground. The small, rounded to kidney-shaped leaves are 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) wide, bright green, with scalloped or shallowly lobed margins, held on slender upright stalks. Tiny greenish-white flowers gather in small, stalked clusters among the leaves through summer but are easily overlooked. The dense, mat-forming growth roots at the nodes as it spreads, knitting into a continuous carpet over moist soil. Plants establish quickly and cover ground within one season. Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae grows in full sun to part shade on consistently moist to wet soil, including pond margins, bog gardens, and the gaps between paving in damp areas. Its vigorous spread can overrun smaller plants and move beyond its intended area, so it suits informal or contained settings. Growth dies back in cold winters and is damaged by hard frost. Dry soil checks the spread and browns the foliage.
Native Range
Hydrocotyle novae-zeelandiae is native to New Zealand, where it grows in damp grassland, stream banks, wetland margins, and moist open ground.Suggested Uses
Planted as groundcover in moist, informal settings such as pond margins, bog gardens, and damp paving, spaced 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart for quick cover. Used between stepping stones in damp areas where a low carpet is wanted. Grown in containers where its spread can be contained.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 2"
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Tiny greenish-white flowers appear in small clusters through summer, June to August, held among the foliage. They are inconspicuous and easily missed. Small seeds follow and ripen by late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to part shade on consistently moist to wet soil at pond edges, in bog gardens, or in damp paving gaps. Water in dry spells, as the foliage browns and growth checks when the soil dries. Trim or lift runners at the edges to hold the spread within bounds, since the plant roots as it creeps. In a container or contained bed its spread is easier to limit. Hard frost damages the foliage, which dies back in cold winters and regrows in spring. Rich, wet soil drives the fastest, densest growth.Pruning
Trim back the spreading runners at the edges of the planting through the growing season to control the spread. Unwanted growth that roots beyond its space is lifted. No formal pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
Prune: June–August
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
