Upright Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum Crispatum)

Upright Water Milfoil | Myriophyllum crispatum

A distinctive potted oxygenating plant with feathery bright green foliage that rises above shallow pond water and provides valuable cover for aquatic wildlife.

Bright, upright foliage for shallow ponds and wildlife friendly planting

Upright Water Milfoil, botanically known as Myriophyllum crispatum, is an attractive deciduous aquatic plant that combines the practical benefits of an oxygenator with the appearance of a decorative marginal plant. Its slender stems are surrounded by finely divided, bright green leaves arranged in neat whorls, creating a soft and feathery appearance both beneath and above the water.

Unlike many traditional oxygenating plants that remain completely submerged, Upright Water Milfoil produces crisp stems that rise above the pond surface. This gives the plant greater visual impact and makes it an excellent choice for shallow shelves, wildlife ponds and natural planting schemes where texture and movement are important.

The submerged sections contribute oxygen to the water during active growth and absorb nutrients as the plant develops. This can support a more balanced aquatic environment when the plant is used alongside other oxygenating, marginal and floating pond plants. However, oxygenating plants should always be considered part of a balanced planting plan rather than relied upon as the only method of maintaining clear or well oxygenated water.

Its feathery foliage creates valuable underwater structure and shelter for tadpoles, newts, froglets, aquatic insects and other small pond creatures. The stems offer protected areas in which wildlife can rest, feed and hide from larger fish or visiting predators. This makes Upright Water Milfoil particularly useful in ponds designed to encourage amphibians and biodiversity.

During early summer, small reddish flowers may develop along the upper portions of the stems. Although the flowers are relatively subtle, they add additional interest when viewed closely and contrast pleasantly with the fresh green foliage. The flowering stems usually remain upright above the water, helping the plant create height without becoming overly dominant.

Upright Water Milfoil grows best in shallow water and can also tolerate consistently wet or boggy soil around the edge of a pond. Position it in full sun or partial shade, ideally where it will receive several hours of light each day. Avoid placing it beneath dense waterlily leaves or large quantities of floating plants, as excessive shade can reduce the strength and density of its growth.

The plant has a medium growth rate and can spread through its rooted stems once established. Regular trimming will help maintain a neat shape and prevent it from extending beyond its intended area. This is especially useful in smaller ponds where planting space is limited.

Upright Water Milfoil is deciduous, so the visible foliage normally declines during autumn and winter. This seasonal dieback is entirely natural. Remove loose or decaying foliage before it sinks into the pond, then allow the plant to remain dormant in its basket. Fresh shoots should begin to emerge again as the water warms during spring.

For reliable establishment, place the basket with its top between 5 cm and 15 cm below the water surface. Once the roots and stems are growing strongly, the plant can be moved gradually to a maximum recommended depth of approximately 25 cm.

Key benefits

• Attractive bright green feathery foliage

• Combines the benefits of an oxygenator and an ornamental pond plant

• Produces upright stems above the water surface

• Helps introduce oxygenating vegetation to shallow pond areas

• Provides shelter for tadpoles, newts, froglets and aquatic insects

• Suitable for wildlife ponds and natural planting schemes

• Small reddish flowers appear during summer

• Grows in full sun or partial shade

• Suitable for pond shelves and consistently wet soil

• Arrives planted in an aquatic basket and ready for the pond

Reasons to buy Upright Water Milfoil

Upright Water Milfoil is an excellent choice for pond owners who want the practical qualities of an oxygenating plant without sacrificing visual interest. Its upright stems and finely divided leaves produce a distinctive appearance that looks different from conventional bunched oxygenators.

It is particularly valuable in wildlife ponds because the dense foliage creates shelter both beneath and immediately above the water. Amphibians and aquatic insects can use the stems for protection, while the emerging foliage gives developing froglets and newts easier access between the water and surrounding planting.

The plant is also suitable for relatively shallow ponds where deep water oxygenators may not be appropriate. It can be positioned on a marginal shelf, in a shallow planting zone or within permanently damp soil beside the water.

Once established, maintenance is straightforward. Occasional trimming keeps the plant tidy, and its deciduous growth means it naturally rests through the colder months before returning in spring.

Care instructions

Place Upright Water Milfoil in full sun or partial shade. A position with good natural light will encourage stronger stems, denser foliage and better flowering.

For initial establishment, position the top of the aquatic basket approximately 5 cm to 15 cm below the water surface. Established plants can be moved to a maximum depth of approximately 25 cm.

Planting depth is measured from the top of the basket to the surface of the water, not from the bottom of the pond.

Trim the stems during the growing season if they become too tall, dense or untidy. Remove cut material from the pond rather than allowing it to decay in the water. This helps reduce the accumulation of organic matter and unwanted nutrients.

During autumn, remove yellowing or collapsed foliage as the plant enters dormancy. The basket can remain in the pond throughout winter in most areas of the UK. Fresh shoots should reappear during spring as light levels and water temperatures increase.

Upright Water Milfoil is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, koi, carp, goldfish, ducks and other waterfowl may eat the foliage or disturb the aquatic basket. Additional protection may be required in ponds containing larger fish or frequently visited by wildfowl.

Flowering period

Upright Water Milfoil normally flowers from June to August, with the main flowering display often occurring during June and July.

The flowers are small and reddish rather than large or showy. They develop close to the upper sections of the stems that emerge above the surface of the water. The plant is mainly selected for its feathery foliage and oxygenating qualities, with the flowers providing additional seasonal interest.

Flowering can vary according to water temperature, sunlight, planting depth and the maturity of the plant. A bright, shallow position will usually provide the best conditions for flowers to develop.

Size, spread and growing conditions

Plant height: Approximately 15 cm to 25 cm above the basket or water surface

Potential spread: Approximately 50 cm to 100 cm once established

Recommended planting depth: 0 cm to 25 cm

Initial establishment depth: Approximately 5 cm to 15 cm

Position: Full sun or partial shade

Growth rate: Medium

Foliage: Finely divided, bright green leaves arranged in whorls

Habit: Upright, spreading and clump forming

Flower colour: Small reddish flowers

Flowering period: June to August

Hardiness: Hardy across most areas of the UK

Winter foliage: Deciduous

Plant type: Potted oxygenating aquatic plant

Wildlife value: Provides shelter for amphibians, aquatic insects and other small pond creatures

Allow approximately 5 x 1 litre plants per square metre or linear metre. Alternatively, use approximately 3 x 2 litre plants per square metre or linear metre.

Leave sufficient space between different oxygenating plants so that stronger varieties do not overwhelm slower growing plants. Upright Water Milfoil can spread once established, but its growth can be managed by trimming and dividing the plant when required.

Your plant on arrival

Your Upright Water Milfoil will arrive planted in a Finofil aquatic basket containing suitable aquatic soil and a slow release aquatic plant fertiliser. Plants supplied in an aquatic basket can normally be placed directly into the pond without repotting.

Available basket sizes may include:

• 1 litre square aquatic basket measuring approximately 11 cm wide by 11 cm high

• 2 litre square aquatic basket measuring approximately 19 cm wide by 19 cm high

Plants supplied in a 9 cm solid nursery pot will need to be transferred into a suitable aquatic basket before being placed in the pond.

Finofil aquatic baskets are manufactured in the UK using 100% recycled plastic. The fine mesh construction helps prevent aquatic soil from escaping while allowing water to circulate around the roots. A separate hessian liner is therefore optional and is not normally necessary.

Potted oxygenators and bunched oxygenators

Potted oxygenators grow from an established root system within an aquatic basket. Many produce foliage close to the surface or above the water, where it can provide shelter for spawning amphibians, developing froglets and aquatic insects.

Bunched oxygenators are normally weighted and placed directly into deeper water. They produce submerged growth and can release oxygen lower within the pond.

It is not essential to use both types, but combining potted and bunched oxygenators can provide varied planting at different depths. This creates more habitat for wildlife and distributes aquatic vegetation throughout a greater proportion of the pond.

Dispatching your pond plants

Pond plants are carefully selected, watered and packed to help protect them during delivery. Their appearance will naturally vary according to the season, weather and current stage of growth.

Plants dispatched early in the season may have limited visible foliage while their roots and new shoots are developing. This is normal and does not indicate that the plant is unhealthy. Upright Water Milfoil is deciduous, so plants supplied during colder periods may arrive with little or no active top growth.

Upon arrival, unpack the plant promptly and check that the aquatic soil remains moist. Place the basket into the pond as soon as practical, beginning at the shallower end of the recommended planting range while the plant adjusts to its new conditions.

Do not allow the plant or aquatic soil to dry out. If it cannot be planted immediately, keep the basket in a container of pond water in a bright, sheltered position.

Upright Water Milfoil is normally available from May, although exact availability can vary according to seasonal temperatures, nursery growing conditions and stock levels.