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Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Myriophyllum spicatum (Spiked Water Milfoil)

Myriophyllum spicatum (Spiked Water Milfoil)

Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
£0.00 - £0.00
£0.00
£3.00
£3.00 - £25.00
£3.00
Number Of Bunches: 1
Size Information

You can choose plants in various pot sizes. Non-potted plants arrive bare root for you to pot in the specified pot size.

Seasonal Information

Depending on the time of year, pond plants may be supplied fully-leaved, with flowers, or with foliage trimmed back.

Delivery Information

This plant is grown in the UK and sent directly from our tried, tested and trusted plant partner. Delivery price calculated at checkout.

Description of Myriophyllum spicatum (Spiked Water Milfoil)

Myriophyllum spicatum, commonly known as Spiked Water Milfoil, is a submerged aquatic perennial found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving water across the UK. It is valued as an oxygenating plant that supports clear, balanced water and strong wildlife habitats.

This species produces long, branched shoots with whorls of finely divided leaves. Each leaf is split into many hairlike segments, which create a soft, feathery structure below the surface. This dense growth offers shelter for fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects.

In summer, Myriophyllum spicatum sends flower spikes above the water. These carry small, dull red flowers. While the blooms are subtle, they add seasonal interest and attract some pollinators.

You may also find this plant sold under other names:

  • Meakin
  • Water navelwort

If your goal is stable, healthy water, this plant can play a key role. It absorbs nutrients that would otherwise feed algae. It also releases oxygen during daylight, which supports fish and beneficial microbes.

Think about the structure in your pond. Do fish have places to hide or breed? Dense underwater growth improves survival for fry and creates habitat for invertebrates.

Why add Myriophyllum spicatum to your pond?

  • Native and suited to UK climates
  • Reliable oxygenating plant
  • Helps maintain clear, balanced water
  • Provides shelter and breeding sites
  • Supports frogs, newts, and insects
  • Adds natural texture and movement

This plant also provides light shade under the surface. This helps regulate temperature and reduces stress for fish during warm periods.

Planting and care tips

  • Plant in still or slow-moving water
  • Suitable for depths from 20 cm to over 1 m
  • Anchor stems in aquatic soil or gravel
  • Can also grow freely once established
  • Thin regularly to prevent overcrowding
  • Best planted in spring or early summer

This species grows steadily and can spread in nutrient-rich ponds. Regular thinning helps maintain open water and balance. Removed stems can be composted or shared.

Combine Spiked Water Milfoil with floating plants and marginals to create layered habitats. Mixing species supports more wildlife and stabilises pond conditions throughout the year.

If you want a strong oxygenator that supports biodiversity and improves water quality, Myriophyllum spicatum is a dependable choice. It brings structure, resilience, and long-term balance to ponds of many sizes.

FAQs

What are the best oxygenating plants for a wildlife pond?

Good choices include submerged species such as hornwort, water starwort, water violet, water crowfoot and suitable pondweeds. The best choice depends on the pond's depth, size and conditions, so using more than one suitable species can provide useful underwater habitat as well as plant diversity.

How many oxygenating plants do I need in my pond?

As a general guide, the RHS suggests around four to five bunches of submerged oxygenators, each containing three to four stems, per square metre of water surface. Avoid excessive planting, as submerged plants also respire at night and overcrowding can cause problems.

Do oxygenating pond plants keep water clear?

Oxygenating plants can contribute to a balanced pond and compete for nutrients that might otherwise support excessive algae growth. However, they are not a guaranteed cure for green water, as water clarity is affected by factors including sunlight, nutrients, plant coverage and the overall balance of the pond.

Do oxygenating plants need to be planted in baskets?

It depends on the species. Some submerged oxygenators are rooted and can be planted or anchored in aquatic baskets, while others can grow freely in the water. Follow the planting instructions for the individual species rather than treating all oxygenators in the same way.

Do I need oxygenating plants if I have a pond pump?

A pump can circulate and aerate water, but oxygenating plants provide additional benefits such as underwater cover and habitat for pond life. For a wildlife pond, plants are therefore useful for more than simply adding oxygen to the water.

What are the best pond plants for a wildlife pond?

The best wildlife pond plants provide a mixture of underwater cover, surface shade, flowering habitat and places for aquatic insects to emerge. A balanced pond can include oxygenating plants, marginal plants and floating-leaved plants such as water lilies. Native species are particularly useful for supporting UK pond wildlife.

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