Bogbean Plant Care
Menyanthes trifoliata L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Menyanthes is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Menyanthaceae containing the single species Menyanthes trifoliata. The North American form is often referred to as M.
Every 1–2 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bogbean?
Water Bogbean every 1–2 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity.
What Is the Bogbean?
Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) belongs to the Menyanthaceae family within the Menyanthes genus. Bogbean is also known as Buckbean, Water Shamrock, Marsh Trefoil.
Bogbean displays a spreading aquatic perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Bogbean produces clusters of white or pink tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bogbean?
Menyanthes trifoliata requires watering every 1–2 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 1–2 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bogbean Need?
Bogbean thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bogbean Prefer?
Menyanthes trifoliata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Bogbean prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bogbean?
Rich, acidic soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Bogbean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Bogbean?
Can be grown in aquatic containers or bog gardens. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bogbean?
Bogbean can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Bogbean Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bogbean, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bogbean?
Bogbean is susceptible to no common pests known. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bogbean Need?
Bogbean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Bogbean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Bogbean is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Menyanthes genus — compare its care with other Menyanthes species on PlantoScan.
Menyanthes is part of the Menyanthaceae plant family — browse all Menyanthaceae genera and species.
Bogbean thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Menyanthes trifoliata L., family Menyanthaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. 1: 145. 1753 [1 May 1753]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bogbean, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Bogbean Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species