Water Snowflake

Combine water snowflake with other petite water plants for a texture-rich water garden in a dish or large pot. Great plant partners include water lettuce and water hyacinth. Both water lettuce and water hyacinth can spread aggressively. Remove vigorous plants to prevent them from overtaking water snowflake. Miniature water lilies are also wonderful companions for water snowflake.

Check out these tips for planting nursery plants.

Water snowflake grows best in 1 to 2 feet of standing water and planted in rich, sandy soil. It will also thrive when planted in submerged containers. Water snowflake doesn't tolerate moving water, so place it away from waterfalls and fountains. Watch for the fringed flowers to emerge from short stalks in midsummer. Water snowflake is hardy in Zones 8 and above but can be overwintered indoors in a greenhouse or an aquarium equipped with a grow light. To overwinter, bring plants indoors before the first frost. Most gardeners choose to grow it as an annual plant in areas where it is not winter hardy.

Water snowflake is easy to divide. Simply dig up the plant or lift the submerged container from the water. Using a sharp spade, divide the root ball into sections so each section has at least 3 or 4 stems and leaves. Then replant divisions.

Read this guide for easy plant division.

Nymphoides cristata bears heart-shape and star-shape flowers that resemble snowflakes. The plant grows about 3 feet wide. Zones 8-11

Nymphoides peltata features heart-shape leaves and small 1-inch fringed yellow flowers that float on the surface of the water. Zones 6-11