Plant ID card |
|
|---|---|
Botanical name |
Pontederia crassipes, formerly Eichhornia crassipes. |
Common name |
Water hyacinth, calamot, fat-footed eichhornia. |
Family |
Pontederiaceae |
Origin |
South America. |
Dimensions |
The water hyacinth can measure up to 60 cm high in our latitudes but considerably more in its region of origin. |
Foliage |
The evergreen leaves of water hyacinth are oval and measure between 10 and 20 cm in diameter. They are shiny, fleshy and a beautiful bright green color. It is the curved petioles located at their base that allow it to float. |
Bloom |
The flowers of the water hyacinth, a beautiful lavender blue shade, are organized in spikes measuring approximately 10 cm high. They have 6 petals, one of which is decorated with a yellow spot in its center. |
Exposure |
Water hyacinth loves the sun even if it can grow in partial shade or even shade in its original environment. |
Ground |
As its name suggests, water hyacinth grows in fresh water and preferably quite warm water, that is to say around 20°C. |
Rusticity |
0°C. |
Because it is pretty and requires no maintenance, water hyacinth is a popular plant for decorating water features. However, it is necessary to protect it from the cold and above all to ensure that it does not multiply excessively.
Where to put water hyacinths?
Location:
Water hyacinths grow in fresh water, the temperature of which is between 12 and 32°C. Its pH should be between 5 and 7.5. Water hyacinth cannot grow in sea water. In France, it is advisable to place water hyacinth in an aquatic plant basket in order to shelter it from the beginning of autumn, when the temperatures begin to drop;
Exposure:
in France, water hyacinth must be placed in full sun to grow well.
Water hyacinth grows in fresh water at a temperature between 12 and 32°C. Copyright (c) 2023 Miminoz901485/Shutterstock. No use without permission.
Also read: Bluebells, pretty scented bells to brighten up your dark areas!
When does water hyacinth bloom?
Water hyacinth flowering usually takes place between
the months of June to September,
depending on the climate. Indeed, for water hyacinth flowers to bloom, they must benefit from sufficiently high temperatures. Their lifespan is approximately 48 hours. Water hyacinth then propagates by spontaneous seedlings as well as by dividing its stolons.
The flowering of water hyacinth generally takes place between the months of June and September. Copyright (c) 2018 Victoria Tucholka/Shutterstock. No use without permission.
Is water hyacinth prohibited?
In many countries in the South, water hyacinth is considered
invasive
. Indeed, when climatic conditions are favorable for it, it develops very quickly thanks to its stolons. In addition, each of its fruits can contain up to 450 seeds which can be stored for around fifteen years. Water hyacinth is also very resistant to diseases and pests. When there are too many, water hyacinths suffocate waterways but also hinder human activity by preventing boats from circulating or blocking canals, for example.
In France, water hyacinth is
authorized for sale
since it dies when temperatures drop below 0°, thus naturally limiting its proliferation. However, if you live in the South of France, it is preferable to remain vigilant regarding the expansion of your water hyacinths and not hesitate to uproot part of them in the event of excessive development.
How to transform water hyacinth?
If water hyacinth is prized for its purifying properties, it can also be used to make organic fertilizers. It is also used to produce biogas and its roots can be used to make woven objects.