The water daffodil with its bright umbels of flowers is almost perfect for planting along the bank. In addition, this plant is fairly easy to care for.
Anyone who creates a near-natural pond in their garden will soon find themselves faced with the inevitable question: How do I design the shore zone? There is a wide range of useful plants for the edge of the pond. However, the variety of suitable bank plants should not lead to chaotic bank planting. A well thought-out planting plan is therefore advisable. In addition to tall grass in the background of the garden pond, the water daffodil (Eupatorium cannabinum) undoubtedly comes into its own. With its remarkable umbels of flowers, it also supports the biodiversity of insects, birds and other small beneficial insects.
Portrait of the water daffodil
The water daffodil is a hardy, herbaceous perennial. The plant originally comes from North America. Depending on the type and variety, the Wasserdost can reach heights of growth from 40 centimeters to a remarkable two meters. From July to September, its flower umbels unfold individual flowers, which in turn shine white, pink, wine-red or purple, depending on the species and variety. The mostly erect stems are quite coarse and red to brown in color. The oil glands on the stem also give the water daffodil a herbaromatic scent.
Eupatorium species at a glance
❍ Eupatorium cannabinum:
- also called Kunigundenkraut
- flowers pink and grows up to 130 centimetres
❍ Eupatorium Fistulosum:
- known as the Giant Umbrella
- flowers white, pink or purple
- can grow up to 200 centimeters
❍ Eupatorium rugoum:
- is a brown-leaved giant umbrella
❍ Atropurpureum:
- Purple Dose
- Flower dark purple
- 180 centimeters
- large-flowered
❍ Eupatorium fistulosum "Baby Joe":
- short stature up to 40 centimeters
- pink purple
- compact growing
❍ Eupatorium fistulosum "Phantom":
- large water drop 80 to 100 centimeters
- Purple pink blossom
❍Eupatorium fistulosum "Augustrobin":
- also called Gluball
- 130-160 centimeters
- burgundy flowers
This location is best for the water drop
The location for the Eupatorium should be neither blazing sun nor too dark. Therefore, a light penumbra is best suited, in which the plant gets enough sunny hours in the morning and evening. In addition, the location should be damp. Favorable locations are the banks of ponds or streams, but also damp meadows. Basically, the soil should be moist, slightly acidic and humic.
Preparation for planting
You can plant Wasserdost from spring to autumn. It is advisable to prepare the planting well. Do this as follows:
- Mix loamy garden soil with fine sand in a ratio of 1:1.
- Then dig a spacious planting hole.
- Line the bottom and sides of the planting pit with the clay and sand mixture.
- The water box is then placed in the planting bed.
- Cover the root ball with the remaining soil mixture.
- Finally water the young plant thoroughly.
How to properly care for the Wasserdost
Casting:
If you have placed the water daffodil in a damp location, then additional watering is unnecessary. If a prolonged dry spell does occur, water your shrubby plant once or twice a week.
Tip:
Cover the location of your plant with mulch. This reduces moisture loss during drought.
Fertilize:
In the spring, fill up the nutrient depot with rotted compost and humus. A layer of leaves also ensures rich soil in autumn.
Pruning:
Prune back your waterbush in spring. At this time you can best judge how long and wide you want to shorten the perennial. Withered inflorescences can be removed immediately after flowering.
Summary:
The water daffodil enlivens the banks of ponds and streams with its shrubby growth and bright umbels of flowers. The usually tall perennial requires a moist, semi-shady location. If the plant is in the right place, no further watering is required. Fertilization is primarily done in spring with rotted compost and humus.