Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Balance of plants in the environment Azolla in the north

Loretta, you might be okay with hyacinths due to the extreme cold of Michigan winters. They really don't like temps below freezing for prolonged time periods.

They do filter the water and they are very pretty. Also, small fish and bugs shelter in their extensive root systems. So there are benefits.

But they sharply increase water evaporation, nearly double if I remember correctly. If you are subject to droughts, they make things worse. Much worse. And if you fertilize, they will spread like crazy. Maybe not so much in your climate, but in Texas they literally took over a 12 acre pond in a year. If you really want them to bloom, fertilize.

One last thing to keep in mind. It may not matter given your climate, but hyacinths put down seeds that last up to fourteen (yes, I said 14!) years. Maybe if they are frozen solid for weeks they won't germinate, but maybe they will. Once you have them in your pond, there is a good chance you will see them again, and again, and again...