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Thalia dealbata (Powdery Alligator-Flag)

Powdery Alligator-Flag, Powdery Thalia, Water Canna, Thalia barbata

Thalia dealbata, Powdery Alligator-Flag, Powdery Thalia, Water Canna, Thalia barbata
Thalia dealbata, Powdery Alligator-Flag, Powdery Thalia, Water Canna, Thalia barbata

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 11
Heat Zones 6 - 12
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Marantaceae
Common names Water Canna
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Southwest, Missouri, Illinois, South Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
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Recommended Companion Plants

Pontederia cordata (Pickerel Weed)
Trollius chinensis ‘Golden Queen’ (Globe Flower)
Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose)
Nymphaea odorata (Fragrant Water Lily)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 11
Heat Zones 6 - 12
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Marantaceae
Common names Water Canna
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Southwest, Missouri, Illinois, South Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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