Water Plants
Pontederia crassipes
Water hyacinth
Floating rosettes of glossy leaves carry lavender flower spikes in warm weather, with dangling roots beneath the surface. This fast-growing tropical aquatic needs no planting basket and must be carefully contained.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun
- Pond placement
- Free-floating on a contained freshwater pond.
- Winter care
- Will not survive outdoor frost.
- Mature size
- Height: Usually 12–26 in.; occasionally about 40 in.
- Water
- Free-floating freshwater
- Bloom
- Lavender-purple in warm weather.
Sizes & prices
- Size not listed$7.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Wet soil
- Aquatic; floats on the surface.
Keep in mind: Kentucky Fish & Wildlife identifies water hyacinth as an aggressive invader. Keep it in a fully contained garden pond; never release plants or trimmings into natural water. Check applicable rules before transporting it elsewhere.
Water garden care
- Type
- Floating aquatic; no soil or fixed planting depth.
- Planting method
- Float on the surface; no soil, basket or anchoring needed.
- Spread
- Thin regularly; never release plants into waterways.
Sources & photo credits
Reviewed September 27, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.