The Common Fir Frond is reminiscent of small fir trees that rise out of the water. We'll show you how to cultivate it properly.
Small fir trees are growing out of the garden pond? The fir frond (Hippuris vulgaris) does indeed give the appearance. The aquatic plant has needle-shaped leaves that rise above the water surface and are reminiscent of small conifers. The deep red flowers also help to create a high-contrast image in the water garden. The pine frond grows profusely and quickly spreads across the shallow water zone.
Origin of the Common Fir Frond
The common fir frond has an extensive natural range. The plant is native to Europe, northern Asia and America, and Alaska. The adaptable plants form the fir-frond family.
Occurrences of the plant can also be found in mountain lakes. Its penetration into arctic regions gives the common pine frond a unique position among marsh and aquatic plants.
| Common Fir Frond (Hippuris vulgaris) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | upright, stoloniferous |
| Growth: | 10 - 30 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 50 cm |
| Flower: | June - August |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | permeable, high nutrient requirement |
Planting the Common Fir Frond
» suitable location
The marshy zone of the garden pond is the ideal location for the common pine frond. The plant also feels at home in slow-flowing streams. The plant only makes demands on the water quality. Nutrient-rich and preferably calcareous sites are preferred.
The common fir frond can easily adapt to the light conditions. The plant thrives in sun, partial shade, and shade. The water depth should be 20 to 30 centimeters. The common fir frond tolerates high water temperatures very well.
A lively and high-contrast picture can be created in the garden pond in the company of pikeweed, frog spoon or arrowheadcreate.
» ideal substrate
The Common Fir Frond thrives best on a muddy surface. The soil should be consistently moist. The substrate is preferably humic and rich in nutrients.
» Planting step by step
The plant is sold in a container and can be planted out all year round. If the garden pond is frozen or it is very hot in summer, you should refrain from planting. Otherwise, do the following:
1. Take the plant out of the planter
2. Place the rhizome horizontally in the bottom of the pond
3. Note the planting distance
The rhizome is pressed horizontally into the bottom of the pond. The common fir frond likes to spread quickly. A planting distance of about 50 centimeters should be maintained.
Tip: In smaller garden ponds it makes sense to put the common pine frond in the plant basket in the ground. This will allow you to better control its growth.
What do you have to pay attention to during care?
No complex care measures are necessary. The hobby gardener keeps growth under control by regularly thinning out the plant. Long shoots that spread uncontrollably and move over the water's edge can simply be cut off.
An overview of the most important planting and care tips
| Measure | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Set Location | Swamp zone garden pond Sun to shade |
| Provide substrate | muddy nutrient rich humic calcareous permanently moist |
| Plant Common Fir Frond | Insert rhizome horizontally Observe planting distance |
| Pruning Common Fir Frond | Thin out regularly Cut back in autumn |
Propagating the Common Fir Frond
The fir fronds, covered with many small red flowers, rise far above the water surface in summer. The flowers can be pollinated by the wind. The plant also takes care of its own vegetative propagation.
The continued existence is secured by rhizome runners and turions. The common fir frond usually forms turions in autumn. These are spherical hibernation organs. These detach themselves from the plant and hibernate on the pond bottom. New fir fronds emerge from these turions in spring.
Tip: This form of propagation is also found in aquatic plants such as waterweedand Thousand Leaf.
If the hobby gardener wants to take care of the propagation of the common fir frond himself, dividing the plant is a good idea. This should happen every two to three years and can improve plant vigor.
The common fir frond is removed from the garden pond and divided with a sharp knife. The new sections are replanted separately from each other.
Recognize diseases and pests on the common fir frond
The robust and extremely adaptable aquatic plants are not attacked by pests and diseases are extremely rare.
Overwintering the Common Fir Frond
The Common Fir Frond has worked its way as far as Alaska. Therefore, the plant is absolutely hardy in our latitudes and its leafy green also delights in the cold season.