About
Eichhornia crassipes, the water hyacinth, is a floating aquatic perennial with rosettes of rounded, shiny, pale-green leaves with inflated, buoyant stems and, in summer, ornamental pale-blue to pale-purple, widely flaring flowers on vertical spikes. Note: this plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive, non-native species and is banned from sale in Great Britain.
About the genus
Eichhornia are rhizomatous, floating or marginal aquatic perennials with rounded or strap-shaped leaves and showy, funnel-shaped flowers in upright spikes in summer. Several species are considered invasive outside their native range.
Plant details
Suggested usesPonds, water features, bog gardens.
Native toTropical America
Care notes
CultivationThis plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Across the EU, UK and NI it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild plants listed on Schedule 9 of this order. These plants should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild and in addition are banned from sale. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
PruningMinimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed.
PropagationSee cultivation notes
Pest resistanceGenerally trouble-free. Monitor for slugs and aphids.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.