Thalia dealbata (Powdery Alligator-Flag)

Bold and tropical looking, Thalia dealbata (Powdery Alligator-Flag) is a semi-evergreen, marginal aquatic perennial forming a dramatic clump of long-stalked, erect, paddle-shaped, blue-green leaves that can reach up to 18 in. in length (45 cm). The leaves are covered with white powder as are all parts of the plant. Blooming in summer over a long period, panicles packed with small purple flowers, 1 in. across (2 cm), appear on slender stems well above the foliage. Attractive to butterflies and insects, they give way to round fruits with dark brown or black seeds. Thalia dealbata spreads by stout, creeping rhizomes to form large colonies. Robust, it is perfect along the shore of a large pond and looks splendid as an island clump in shallow water. In colder areas it will become deciduous.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in clay-loam, sandy to mucky, moist to wet soils. Best in organically rich loams. Will grow in standing water up to 24 in. deep (60 cm).
• A beautiful addition to bog gardens, rain gardens, water gardens or along ponds and streams.
• Remove old flowers and leaves regularly.
• Propagate by seed after cold stratification or by division.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Native to the southern United States, Mexico.