Skip to content

Winged primrose-willow · Ludwigia decurrens

Why is my Ludwigia decurrens not flowering?

It is less common for this plant to fail to flower if it is healthy, as it naturally blooms in full sun with consistent moisture. This plant does flower where people grow it, provided it receives enough energy from the sun.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

Check these first

  1. Verify the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.
  2. Check if the plant has been in the same soil for over a year.
  3. Ensure the plant is not being shaded by other taller plants.

Likely causes

  1. Lack of full sun

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant looks healthy and green but never develops flower buds. This happens when the plant does not receive enough direct light to trigger blooming.

    What to do: Move the plant to a location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, full sun. Without this intensity, the plant will focus on foliage rather than flowers.

  2. Insufficient nutrients

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is growing slowly and refuses to bloom despite good light. This can happen if the soil has been depleted of nutrients over time.

    What to do: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Use half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your winged primrose-willow

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Worry if the plant is mature and has had perfect conditions for a full season without blooming. It is normal for young plants to wait until they are well established before flowering.

Stopping it coming back

Provide maximum sun exposure and keep the plant well fed during the active growing months. Consistent moisture is also key to supporting flower development.

Winged primrose-willow: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your winged primrose-willow and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

What time of year does it bloom?
This plant typically blooms during the warmer months when light levels are highest. Expect flowers from mid summer into early fall.
Do I need to prune it to make it bloom?
Pruning can help encourage bushier growth, which may lead to more flowering stems. Trim the tips back slightly in early spring to promote branching.

More problems with Winged primrose-willow

Back to the Winged primrose-willow guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.