Anagallis tenella - Bog Pimpernel

Anagallis tenella is a deciduous aquatic perennial plant, easy and fast-growing. It forms a carpet of leaves that are covered in summer with small pale pink flowers. This species ideally grows in moist soil, even in water up to 60cm deep. As an oxygenating plant, it is very useful for the health of a pond.

From the primrose family, the Anagallis genus includes about 20 species of annuals and perennials native to southern and southwestern Europe, where they grow naturally in wet meadows, marshy areas, and heath fields. Anagallis tenella is a low-growing perennial, not exceeding 25cm in height. Its stems are creeping and rooting: adventitious roots form at each node. They are adorned with small rounded leaves, 4 to 8mm long, which do not persist in winter. From May to September, this green carpet is covered with numerous small pale pink bell-shaped flowers, measuring between 6 and 10mm in diameter.

In the garden, Anagallis tenella is ideal in a water feature or pond. It is an oxygenating plant that plays a key role in water purification. With its creeping habit, it also perfectly adorns the edge of a pond. Here are some plants that appreciate the same growing conditions as the Delicate Pimpernel and will complement it beautifully: 'Darling' Japanese Iris with mauve-pink flowers, 'Aurea' Creeping Jenny with golden foliage, and Elodea canadensis, another excellent oxygenating plant. Add some originality and verticality to the ensemble with Winter Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale).