Species common water hyacinth
purple-blue flowers with purple filaments, dark-blue anthers, green leaves and stems

common water hyacinth

Eichhornia crassipes

Also Known As - water orchid
The Common Water Hyacinth is arguably one of the most amazing plants in existence. Its lush green foliage and vibrant purple flowers will add a vibrancy to any landscape. Even more amazing is the fact that it is a floating aquatic plant, living when fully submerged in water and providing oxygen to its environment. Its quickly-growing characteristics make it an ideal choice for a fast-growing water feature or decorative pond. Not to mention, it is one of the most effective natural water filters out there, purifying its surrounding water both quickly and efficiently. Clearly the Common Water Hyacinth is an amazing species that should be in every garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 11

Flowers:

Lilac to lavender Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Soil:

Bog

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,olive

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

watering

The common water hyacinth should be placed on standing water. They can live on stagnant water or on with minimum current. Always check the levels of the pond where it is located, add water on the pond when it reaches shallow depths.

sunlight

The common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a semi-aquatic tropical plant species native to the Amazon River basin. It requires plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive, which can vary depending on the strain of the hyacinth and its environment. For best results, the water hyacinth should be placed in a spot where it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight throughout the day.

pruning

Pruning of common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) should be done on a regular basis to maintain the plant's health and vigor, as well as to keep the plant in the desired growth shape. Pruning should be done moderately in the early spring, before new growth begins. Utilize a sharp garden shear or pruning saw to trim back up to 1/3 of the plant’s height from the foliage and the roots. A second pruning should take place in mid-summer, after the early spring growth has had a chance to develop and the plant reaches its peak size.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting of Eichhornia crassipes (common water hyacinth) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Common water hyacinth typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between April and June.

Starts Flowering

Common water hyacinth typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between April and June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting of Eichhornia crassipes (common water hyacinth) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map