Plant Guide

Other Names:  Parrotfeather, Diamond Milfoil, Water Milfoil

Description:

A very fine textured aquatic variety widely used in ponds and aquariums; grow in containers submerged in up to six inches of water, or along wet pond edges; a great transitional plant; can be invasive where it is winter hardy

Ornamental Features

Parrot Feather's attractive ferny leaves remain light green in colour throughout the season on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth.

Landscape Attributes

Parrot Feather is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering
• Invasive

Parrot Feather is ideally suited for growing in a pond, water garden or patio water container, and is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Water Gardens
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Parrot Feather will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. As an aquatic plant, it requires a suitable water garden environment and will benefit from special planting and ongoing care practices; consult one of our in-store experts for further details and instructions. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.

Parrot Feather is a fine choice for the water garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a canvas of foliage against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when grown in outdoor pots and containers, aquatic plants like this one will require a special growing environment that meets their requirement for consistent moisture. Be aware that in our climate, this plant may be too tender to survive the winter if left outdoors in a container. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.