Plant Library

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 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. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. 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 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 growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.