Bog Bean Plant Care

Bog Bean (Liparophyllum gunnii) belongs to the Menyanthaceae family within the Liparophyllum genus. Bog Bean is native to Tasmania and New Zealand. Bog Bean is also known as Water Lily.

Bog Bean displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bog Bean produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bog Bean every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bog Bean thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Bog Bean in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Liparophyllum gunnii tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Bog Bean prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Bog Bean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bog Bean every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bog Bean is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bog Bean can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Bog Bean while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Bog Bean is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bog Bean can be propagated through division, seeds.

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Bog Bean is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, slugs. 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.

Bog Bean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Bog Bean is native to Tasmania and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Bog Bean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.