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Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth)
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4 hours care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
2m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Eichhornia crassipes
Other names
Water hyacinth, Thick-foot
Genus
Eichhornia Eichhornia
Species
E. crassipes - E. crassipes is a tender, vigorous and distinctive floating plant with broad green leaves and beautiful hyacinth-like violet flowers.
Eichhornia crassipes is: Semi evergreen
Habit
Spreading
Flower
Purple in Spring
Foliage
Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Remove yellowing leaves and withered flowers promptly. Keep spread under control and never introduce to natural water (rivers, lakes or ponds). Low oxygen conditions develop beneath spreading water hyacinth 'mats' which also impede water flow.
Propagation
They are difficult to propagate, so it is best to buy new plants, once they are past their best.
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Where to grow
Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Aquatic, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
A floating plant which can be grown indoors or out. It is a very invasive plant, and has become a real problem in the Americas. They enjoy high humidity and temperatures should not fall below 10°C (50°F). They like bright but filtered light.
Soil drainage
Pond/In water
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Eichhornia crassipes
Other names
Water hyacinth, Thick-foot
Genus
Eichhornia Eichhornia
Species
E. crassipes - E. crassipes is a tender, vigorous and distinctive floating plant with broad green leaves and beautiful hyacinth-like violet flowers.
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Spreading
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Colour
Flower
Purple in Spring
Foliage
Green in All seasons
General care
Pruning
Remove yellowing leaves and withered flowers promptly. Keep spread under control and never introduce to natural water (rivers, lakes or ponds). Low oxygen conditions develop beneath spreading water hyacinth 'mats' which also impede water flow.
Propagation
They are difficult to propagate, so it is best to buy new plants, once they are past their best.
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Aquatic, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
A floating plant which can be grown indoors or out. It is a very invasive plant, and has become a real problem in the Americas. They enjoy high humidity and temperatures should not fall below 10°C (50°F). They like bright but filtered light.
Soil drainage
Pond/In water
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil drainage: | Pond/In water | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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