water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Type:annuals — color all summer Notable Traits:aquaticgreat cut flowers Hardiness:Zone 8 – 11 Mature Height:8-12in Light:sun (8+ hrs) Bloom Color:lavender Bloom Shape:spike Bloom Time:springsummer Foliage:green Description Among the showiest of water garden plants, flower stalks grow about six inches above foliage from the centers of the rosettes in spring, and by the end of spring, each plant holds up to 20 blooms that last until fall.