Gardening Landscaping Water Gardens Water Plants Water Hyacinth By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on September 26, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Water Hyacinth Overview Description Water hyacinth is a friend or foe, depending on where it is growing. A vigorous water plant, water hyacinth is invasive and is illegal to plant in many states, primarily Zones 9 to 11. So be sure to check local regulations if you're interested in planting water hyacinth. In areas where it is legal, the plant is a colorful and texture-rich addition to water gardens. Water hyacinth plays a helpful role in water gardens, where it provides shelter and spawning area for small fish. The dense foliage also inhibits algae growth and helps keep water clear. Genus Name Eichhornia crassipes Common Name Water Hyacinth Plant Type Water Plant Light Part Sun, Sun Height 6 to 6 inches Flower Color Purple Foliage Color Blue/Green Season Features Summer Bloom Special Features Good for Containers, Low Maintenance Zones 10, 11, 9 Propagation Division Garden Plans For Water Hyacinth Water Hyacinth Colors Pair water hyacinth's glossy green rosettes of foliage with upright water plants, such as sweet flag, cattail, and Louisiana iris. Water hyacinth has a strong tendency to take over a water garden, blanketing the surface with its glossy rosettes of green leaves. Prevent planting companions from being overtaken by actively pulling out and composting excessive water hyacinth plants. Want a picture perfect garden? Find tips for plant combinations here. Water Hyacinth Care A frost-tender aquatic perennial, water hyacinth is grown as an annual in Zones 8 and below. It is easy to grow in still water and full sun. Plant it in spring by scattering small bunches of plants on the water surface after the last frost date. Be mindful because they spread quickly in warm water via stems from the main plant, producing numerous new plants. Remove excess plants as needed. Overwinter these frost-tender plants by removing them from the water garden and planting them in containers of moist loam in late fall. Place the container in a bright sunny spot where temperatures stay between 60 and 70-degrees. Many gardeners prefer to grow water hyacinth as an annual by purchasing new plants each spring. Brighten your summer with these beautiful summer flowers and bulbs. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit