Ludwigia repens
Images by part: leaf (2) · flower (0) · fruit (0) · bark (0) · habit (2) · other (3)

Ludwigia repens

Creeping primrose-willow · Larger marsh purslane

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
10–37 °C
Hardiness
Zone 6–11
Click count
11
Observations
3

Description

Source: leafsnap

Ludwigia repens is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by the common name creeping primrose-willow. It is native to parts of the Americas and it has the potential to spread easily and become naturalized in many areas. It is known as an aquatic weed in some regions. It is also cultivated as an aquarium plant. This is a mat-forming perennial herb with a creeping stem up to 30 centimeters long, rooting at nodes which come in contact with wet substrate. The leaves are oppositely arranged and up to 4 or 5 centimeters long. The flower has four yellow colored petals no more than 3 millimeters long nested on a base of four pointed sepals which may be slightly longer.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The creeping primrose-willow thrives in wetland areas, where it prefers consistently moist environments. While it can withstand short dry spells, it truly flourishes when it receives regular watering, ideally once a week. In outdoor settings, natural rainfall supports its growth and helps maintain its lush appearance.

☀️ Light Full sun

Creeping primrose-willow is native to habitats that receive abundant sunlight, such as the shallow banks of ponds and lakes. It prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 10–37.8°C

The creeping primrose-willow comes from tropical areas with characteristically warm, humid climates. As a result, it is well suited to high heat and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and prefers a consistent thermal environment, so indoor temperature swings should be avoided. It generally cannot withstand cold and needs relatively warm conditions to grow. If temperatures fall too far, the plant may stop growing or may die.

Ideal temperature: 10–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The creeping primrose-willow, with its reddish stems and vibrant green leaves, thrives in both aquariums and wet soils. To maintain its health, prune it lightly from early to late spring. This helps improve light penetration, water circulation, and foliage health while minimizing stress. Always use sterilized tools when pruning to prevent the spread of diseases.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Ludwigia
Family
Onagraceae
Hardiness Zone
6-11
Mature Height
0 cm to 30 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Red
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Bahamas, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica

Tags (5)

Common Names (2)

en Creeping primrose-willow
en Larger marsh purslane