The water daffodil is ideal for planting along the edge of a pond because wet and loamy soil doesn't bother it. More tips in this post.
Water daffodil (Eupatorium cannabinum) is one of the daisy family. The plants occur in about 45 species in the northern hemisphere. The aster family is perennial and widely known for its medicinal properties. The water daffodil is native to Europe and the Near East. In the north of America and in Canada the mixed water daffodil occurs. Contrary to general assumptions, which are based on the plant name, the plant does not grow in water, but is often used in gardens to beautify the edge of the pond. Wasserdost is easy to care for and robust. In order for the plant to thrive optimally, a few things should be considered when planting.Water field plant description
Depending on the species, the plants can reach heights of between half a meter and 1.5 metres. The mostly oppositely arranged leaves are on the stems. The Wasserdost can have smooth, sawn or serrated edges. The delicate tubular flowers, which can be pink to purple, appear between July and September. The flowers attract numerous insects to your garden.
The spread of the plant
The plant genus was first described in 1753 by Carl von Linné. The genus was given the name Eupatorium, based on Mitridates VI. Eupator, a ruler of Asia Minor in pre-Christian times. The genus once comprised over 1,000 different species. It was not until the 1980s that various splits were made and the known 45 species of water daffodil remained.
The water daffodil is the only species native to Europe, the Near East and North Africa. The other plant representatives are mostly native to North America. About 15 species can be found in China.
Use of the water box
The water drop was already used as a remedy in ancient Greece. At that time, the plant was used to treat bite wounds from poisonous animals. In ancient Rome, ants were said to have been put to flight with water hazel, and in the Middle Ages the plant was even associated with belief in devilsbrought.
The contained bitter substances, tannins and essential oils make the Wasserastst interesting as a natural remedy. Wasserdost is used today for stomach problems or respiratory diseases. Wasserdost is also used to obtain fragrance oil.
Plant aquatic plants - find the right location
If you have now decided to let the water daffodil grow in your garden as well, the choice of location is the first and probably most important task. Location is ultimately responsible for how plants grow and develop.
The name alone makes it clear that the Wasserdost loves it wet. The plant does not have to be directly in the water. The ideal location is on the banks of garden ponds or streams. Most plants are extremely sensitive to waterlogging and do not do well in heavy and rather impermeable loamy soil. Not so the Wasserdost. The plant does very well in a moist and loamy soil.
When choosing the location, also consider how vigorous the plant will be. The water daffodil spreads quite quickly and therefore requires a planting distance of at least 1×1 meter.
It is best to plant the water daffodil in a semi-shady location. The blazing midday sun is less suitable and would also cause the soil to dry out too quickly.
➔ Tip: Water daffodil can also be planted in borders. It will not die in dry soil, but will lag behind in growth.
Select a protected location. The long shoots of the plant can quickly snap over in rain and wind. Protect the Wasserdost therefore and tie the shoots together. If the Wasserdost has high trees behind it, it feels particularly comfortable and is protected at the same time.
Planting water pods - choosing the ideal substrate
As already mentioned, the Wasserdost needs moist and, if possible, loamy soil. If the substrate is not available, the hobby gardener can easily mix it himself. Mix equal parts sand with regular clay garden soil.
The ideal substrate in keywords:
- moist
- loamy
- nutrient rich
Planting waterdrops - step by step instructions
You can plant the water daffodil from spring to late summer. How to do this?
- Select Location
- Dig planting hole
- Prepare substrate
- Planting hole with substrateundress
- Insert plant
- Close planting hole
- Water the plant well
When choosing the location, note that the Wasserdost needs enough space. You should reserve an area of at least one meter square for the plant.
➔ Tip: Wasserdost is very suitable for underplanting trees and shrubs. It should be in the second row in the border so it doesn't steal the show from the lower flowering plants.
Dig out the planting hole at least twice the width of the root ball. While for most plants it is particularly important to improve the permeability of the soil, the opposite is recommended for planting the water box. By mixing loamy soil with sand, you create a substrate that can store water well and thus meet the location requirements of the plant. Before you plant the water dorst, cover the bottom of the planting hole with the clay-sand mixture. Now the plant can be planted as usual. Once you have filled up the substrate, the soil is pressed down well. Then water generously, because the plant likes to get its feet wet.
Can the water daffodil also be planted in a tub?
If the appropriate conditions are met, the water daffodil can also be cultivated in a bucket without any problems. Choose a sufficiently large plant pot, because the plant wants to spread. The demands on the soil are the same as for outdoor planting. If you mix clay soil with sand, you have found the right substrate here too. The plants have a fairly high nutrient requirement. The Wasserdost in the cramped planter cannot meet this naturally. Therefore, the hobby gardener has to help with regular fertilizer application. The plant pot is placed in a sheltered, partially shaded location.
➔ Tip: You can leave your potted plant outside over the winter, but you need appropriate protection.