{"product_id":"nasturtium-officinale-water-cress-marginal-pond-plants-mp085","title":"Nasturtium officinale (Water cress) - Marginal Pond Plants - MP085","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e, is a fast-growing, perennial aquatic herb native to Europe and Asia. It is widely cultivated for its peppery, tangy leaves, which are often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e is also valued for its ability to thrive in moist, aquatic environments, making it a popular plant in water gardens, pond edges, and damp landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e typically grows to a height of 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) and has a spreading, mat-forming habit. The plant produces dark green, rounded to kidney-shaped leaves, which are crisp and succulent. These leaves grow on trailing stems that spread across the surface of the water or along the soil. The plant's stems are hollow and are adapted to float, allowing it to thrive in wet, submerged conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the spring and early summer, \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e produces small, white or pale pink flowers with four petals, growing in clusters. The flowers are less prominent than the leaves but still add a delicate touch to the plant. The plant has a distinct, spicy flavor due to its high content of mustard oils, which gives \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e its signature peppery taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist or waterlogged soil. It is typically found growing in shallow water along riverbanks, ponds, or streams. The plant can tolerate shallow water up to 30 cm (12 inches) deep, making it ideal for growing along pond edges or in natural aquatic environments. It grows best in cool, fresh, and running water, but it can also adapt to stagnant water if necessary. Hardy in the UK, it can withstand frost and will regrow in the spring after winter dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePropagation and Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePropagation of \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e is typically done by dividing clumps or from stem cuttings. The plant is fast-growing and spreads quickly through its trailing stems, which can be placed in water or damp soil to root and establish new plants. It can also be grown from seeds, though starting with divisions or cuttings can provide faster results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo keep \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e healthy and productive, it should be regularly thinned to prevent overcrowding. It can benefit from occasional trimming to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Watercress should be grown in areas where it has consistent moisture, and it is best suited for wetland environments or areas with reliable access to water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e is most commonly used as a culinary herb. Its peppery, spicy flavor adds a fresh kick to salads, sandwiches, soups, and smoothies. The leaves and stems are edible, and they are highly nutritious, being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to its culinary uses, \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its purported health benefits, including its ability to support digestion and boost the immune system. However, it should be used with caution in large amounts, as it can be very pungent and may cause irritation for some people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEcological Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e provides several ecological benefits. Its dense foliage helps stabilize soil along water margins, reducing erosion and improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants. The plant's flowers attract pollinators, such as bees, which support local biodiversity. Additionally, \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e provides shelter for aquatic life and small wildlife in wetland environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConsiderations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile \u003cem\u003eWatercress\u003c\/em\u003e is relatively easy to grow, it can spread rapidly in the right conditions, especially in areas with abundant water. It is important to control its growth, particularly in smaller garden spaces, as it can become invasive. Regular thinning and maintenance are essential to keep it contained in garden beds, ponds, or water features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its nutritious, peppery leaves, \u003cem\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/em\u003e is a great addition to water gardens, pond edges, or any area with consistently moist conditions. Its culinary value, ecological benefits, and ease of cultivation make it a versatile and attractive plant for both ornamental and practical purposes in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose Nasturtium officinale (Water Cress)?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003eWater Cress\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a fast-growing aquatic perennial that thrives in \u003cstrong\u003eshallow water\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003emoist environments\u003c\/strong\u003e. Known for its \u003cstrong\u003epeppery flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003egreen, glossy leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e, Water Cress is an excellent addition to any water garden, pond, or bog garden. Its unique culinary and ecological benefits make it a versatile and functional plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Edible and Nutritious Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures \u003cstrong\u003efresh, green, peppery leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e that can be harvested and used in salads, sandwiches, soups, and herbal teas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich in \u003cstrong\u003evitamins A, C\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eK\u003c\/strong\u003e, along with \u003cstrong\u003eminerals\u003c\/strong\u003e like calcium, iron, and magnesium, making it a healthy addition to your diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdds a \u003cstrong\u003espicy flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e to dishes, making it a perfect choice for gardeners who enjoy growing their own edible plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Thrives in Wet Environments\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrives in \u003cstrong\u003eshallow water\u003c\/strong\u003e (up to 20cm\/8 inches deep) or \u003cstrong\u003emoist soil\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it ideal for \u003cstrong\u003epond edges\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebog gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003estreamside planting\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerforms well in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun to partial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering flexibility in planting locations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Fast-Growing and Spreading Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Cress\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003efast-growing plant\u003c\/strong\u003e that quickly spreads across wetland and water garden areas, making it an excellent choice for creating lush green coverage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIts spreading nature helps with \u003cstrong\u003esoil stabilization\u003c\/strong\u003e and provides excellent ground cover along pond banks and damp areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Wildlife-Friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Cress\u003c\/strong\u003e attracts a variety of \u003cstrong\u003epollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e, such as \u003cstrong\u003ebees\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ebutterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e, contributing to the health of your garden ecosystem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt provides \u003cstrong\u003ehabitat\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eshelter\u003c\/strong\u003e for small aquatic creatures, like amphibians and insects, supporting the local biodiversity of your pond or water garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5. Low Maintenance and Hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNasturtium officinale\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003ehardy perennial\u003c\/strong\u003e that can withstand fluctuating water levels and cold temperatures, making it ideal for wetland or aquatic environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003elow-maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e and can thrive with minimal care, making it a great addition for gardeners who want a reliable, easy-to-grow plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6. Versatile Design Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for \u003cstrong\u003ewater gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003epond edges\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebog gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003estreamside planting\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks well in \u003cstrong\u003enaturalistic plantings\u003c\/strong\u003e or as part of a \u003cstrong\u003eculinary garden\u003c\/strong\u003e, where you can easily harvest the leaves for use in cooking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15–30cm (6–12 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves\u003c\/strong\u003e: Fresh, green, peppery-tasting leaves used in culinary dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers\u003c\/strong\u003e: Small white flowers, appearing in late spring to early summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moist to wet soil or shallow water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNasturtium officinale (Water Cress)\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent, low-maintenance addition to any water garden or pond. Its ability to grow in wet conditions, coupled with its \u003cstrong\u003eedible\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003enutritious leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e, makes it a versatile and functional plant that enhances the biodiversity and utility of your aquatic landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Lincspplants","offers":[{"title":"1 \/ 7cm Bareroot","offer_id":64032041533817,"sku":"MP085-plug","price":2.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm Bareroot","offer_id":64032041566585,"sku":"MP085-9cm","price":6.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm Potted","offer_id":63860808843641,"sku":"MP085-9cmpot","price":8.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr Bareroot","offer_id":64032041599353,"sku":"MP085-1ltr","price":10.72,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr Potted","offer_id":63860808909177,"sku":"MP085-1ltrpot","price":12.67,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr Bareroot","offer_id":64032041632121,"sku":"MP085-3ltr","price":19.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr Potted","offer_id":63860808974713,"sku":"MP085-3ltrpot","price":23.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 2x Pot \u0026 Compost","offer_id":64032041664889,"sku":"MP085-2xpot-2xcompost","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 7cm Bareroot","offer_id":64032041697657,"sku":"MP085-Plug-3x","price":7.41,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 9cm Bareroot","offer_id":64032041730425,"sku":"MP085-9cm-3x","price":19.38,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 1Ltr Bareroot","offer_id":64032041763193,"sku":"MP085-1Ltr-3x","price":30.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 3Ltr Bareroot","offer_id":64032041795961,"sku":"MP085-3Ltr-3x","price":55.58,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/8263\/9737\/files\/Nasturtium-officinale-01-scaled.jpg?v=1767532388","url":"https:\/\/mgmgardening.com\/products\/nasturtium-officinale-water-cress-marginal-pond-plants-mp085","provider":"MGMgardening","version":"1.0","type":"link"}