Water Hyacinth Varieties

Rosette Water Hyacinth is genus Eichhornia Crassipes (below left) and is permitted in more areas over the common Eichhornia Azurea (below right), anchored water hyacinth. Rosette water hyacinth is smaller and grows round bulbs instead of long and tall skinny bulbs as the common water hyacinth. It also lays lower to the water surface. However, the rosette produces the same lovely purple flowers as the common water hyacinth. Rosette water hyacinth is more widely accepted because it is not as hardy as its cousin, and therefore less of a threat to wildlife habitat areas. The nice thing about the rosette hyacinth that it does not topple over when large and mature like the common water hyacinth does. Below is a picture comparing a large mature crassipes (rosette) with the common large and mature azurea (anchored). Notice also the difference in root mass. .

Growing Star Grass

Q: I have been dabbling with a small pond for awhile but definitely not too knowledgeable on plants. What kind of pot do I use to plant this in for the pond? Diana

. A: Star grass is a full sun, zone 7 pond plant and grows well in shallow water and out side the pond too. Any kind of pot will work well. I like to use ceramic or Terra Cotta pots in the pond, because it allows water to seep through the walls... but it all depends on what kind of look you are going for. If you want to keep it contained without the roots growing through the bottom, then a no-holes pot it needed. You can also plug the holes of a regular black nursery pot with a plastic bag at the bottom, then fill with sand, gravel, or loam etc.

Thanks! This was good food for thought. GAiL