Prickfoot

This is a most attractive plant despite having prickly edges to its leaves. In winter-wet swamps it will quickly spread, but in most garden settings it is easy to manage. The flowers are striking for both their metallic blue colour and their spiky shape, like a Middle Ages war mace.

Planting

Wearing your thick gloves, plant in moist soil in full sun or light shade, perhaps on the low side of a pond.

Maintenance

In Winter, remove dead leaves (they should pull off easily) and cut off any dead side stems. If a plant is spreading too much, cut off the excess side stems while small.