Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) - BR

Dive into the beauty of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), the floating jewel of water gardens! This plant boasts stunning, lavender-blue flowers that bloom atop lush, glossy, bulbous leaves, creating a floating island of color and texture. Each flower is about 1-2” across, with a delicate, almost iridescent quality, appearing above the water's surface in summer. Its leaves are thick and spongy, providing buoyancy and a unique, almost otherworldly appearance.

For those in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, keep in mind Water Hyacinth is not hardy; it thrives as an annual, needing to be reintroduced each spring or protected in a greenhouse over winter. It's an excellent choice for adding quick, lush growth that helps in natural filtration, absorbing excess nutrients, and shading the water to control algae. With its ability to transform a pond into a serene, floating garden, Water Hyacinth is an irresistible choice for creating a tropical oasis in your backyard.