A free-floating aquatic with glossy rounded leaves on inflated buoyant stalks and showy lavender-blue flower spikes. A declared noxious weed across much of Australia and illegal to keep in many states.
At a glance
- Plant type: Aquatic plant
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: wet or boggy ground
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: high maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Water Hyacinth
Botanically, Eichhornia crassipes is an fast-growing aquatic plant in the Pontederiaceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple and blue flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Water Hyacinth
Water Hyacinth suits tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Water Hyacinth does best in clay soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Water Hyacinth is wet or boggy ground. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Water Hyacinth after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is high maintenance.
Using Water Hyacinth in the garden
Water Hyacinth earns its place for a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Water Hyacinth with other plants that enjoy the same wet or boggy ground and tropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Water Hyacinth
Plant Sale lists Water Hyacinth as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.