Myriophyllum spicatum
spiked water milfoil
M. spicatum is a submerged aquatic perennial with branched shoots bearing whorls of leaves pinnately divided into hairlike segments, with minute dull red flowers in spikes above the water surface, in summer
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0035886_3709.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Haloragaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- 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
- Plant range
- N.America, Europe, Asia, N.Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in baskets of loamy soil in water at a depth of 1m in full sun. 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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