How much sun does Blue Waterleaf need?

Blue Waterleaf grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Blue Waterleaf bloom?

Blue Waterleaf blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Blue Waterleaf native?

Blue Waterleaf (Hydrolea ovata) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Blue Waterleaf attract?

Blue Waterleaf draws butterflies and bees.

Is Blue Waterleaf HOA-friendly?

Blue Waterleaf is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Blue Waterleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hydrolea ovata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Blue Waterleaf (Hydrolea ovata) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states. It blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw butterflies and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain

Blue Waterleaf is a moisture-loving perennial that produces clusters of bright blue flowers from summer through late fall. This native forb grows 2-3 feet tall with a narrow spread, making it suitable for rain gardens and consistently moist areas. The plant goes dormant in winter, dying back to ground level before returning in spring.

Growing Blue Waterleaf

Grow Blue Waterleaf in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blue Waterleaf is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies and bees from June through November. The extended flower production makes it particularly valuable for late-season pollinators preparing for winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Blue Waterleaf need?: Blue Waterleaf grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Blue Waterleaf bloom?: Blue Waterleaf blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Blue Waterleaf native?: Blue Waterleaf (Hydrolea ovata) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Blue Waterleaf attract?: Blue Waterleaf draws butterflies and bees.
Is Blue Waterleaf HOA-friendly?: Blue Waterleaf is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Blue Waterleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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