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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Haloragaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.