by Tory Jon | Last Updated: November 16, 2022Pond Academy is reader-supported. Buying through links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Parrot Feather plant, commonly called Brazillian watermilfoil, is native to South America. This is a feathery plant with small leaves and a very gentle look.
This is a highly popular plant around the UK and throughout the US. But, it can be an incredibly invasive plant, so expect to regularly keep this plant trimmed down to prevent it from choking out other plants in your pond. Also, check whether it is legal to plant it in your area before you purchase it.
The parrot feather is considered one of the most popular decorative pond plants, with many added benefits that include utilizing excess nutrients, oxygenating water, and filtering out pollutants.
Parrot Feather Bunch - 5 Stem Plants
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Scientific Name
Myriophyllum Aquaticum
Common Names
Parrot's feather, water-feather and Brazilian watermilfoil
Plant Type
Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zone 6 - 11
Bloom
Typically through summer, depending on temperature
Grow Up To
Can reach up to 60" tall in the right conditions
Flower Color
Green, yellow
How to Plant Parrot Feather in a Pond
Parrots Feather can be planted directly in the substrate (or in pots) around the shallow edge of the pond, where it will create a beautiful transition from the pond to the shoreline. We recommend planting Parrot's Feather in pots to help contains their growth.
Parrot Feather Care Guide
Parrot's Feather is a fast grower and will require regular trimming to prevent it from choking out other plants in your pond. Be sure to remove and properly discard any clippings away from the water so they don't decompose in your pond and potentially cause water quality issues.
You can slow their growth by planting them in pots or in shady areas of your pond.
Parrot's Feather is a hardy plant and will typically overwinter in your outdoor pond without a problem (as long as the pond doesn't completely freeze over).
Parrot Feather Bunch - 5 Stem Plants
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Parrot Feather Care Card
Download our free printable care card for the Parrot Feather plant! Click the care card below and save the PDF file to your computer. You can easily print off the 3x5 care card or access it right from your phone. Get all the important information you need to keep your Parrot Feather plants healthy and happy!
Plus, we provide a blank card for you to print and fill out yourself. Print it as many times as you like to create cards for all your plants!
Pond Plant Care Card Set
Parrot Feather Plant FAQs
Can parrot's feather survive winter??
The parrot feather plant thrives in warmer conditions! Once planted, it reaches its peak height within a few months. It blooms in the middle of the summer, and even though a warmer climate suits it, it can survive in the winter too (as long as the pond doesn't completely freeze over).
Where do I buy parrot feather plants?
Because it is extremely invasive, the parrot feather plant is difficult to find throughout the US and impossible to buy in the UK because it is banned from sale there. Amazon often has parrot feather for sale. Alternatively, online and local plant stores and pond supply shops are good places to check.
Is parrot feather toxic?
So far, there have not been any recordings of this plant being poisonous or toxic. This is why it is considered safe for fish and wildlife too.
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