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Myriophyllum crispatum

upright water milfoil Orchard

A deciduous aquatic plant for shallow water with feathery, whorled bright green foliage on crispy stems above the water and small red flowers from June to July. Although similar in looks to Myriophyllum aquaticum (which is banned under schedule 9 UK Wildlife and Countryside act as an invasive, non-native species), this aquatic plant is much less prolific and provides oxygenation for ponds

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Haloragaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Submerged
Genus

Myriophyllum can be submerged or marginal aquatic rhizomatous perennials, with finely dissected submerged leaves and small or minute flowers, solitary or in spikes from the leaf axils

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in baskets of loamy soil in shallow water to a depth of 20cm in full sun. Apply a suitable feed once a year in late spring. See pond plants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings of root segments

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Cut back regularly to avoid excessive growth

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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