Question
Brigitte,

What kind of growth or plugging problem can I anticipate with adding Hyacynth to my Koi pond.  Secondly, would waater lilies be a better choice and why?  Would like to have your advice to select one over the other for the long haul.
Thanks in advance of your support. Fred

Answer
Hello Fred!
Yes, Water Hyacinths -although a great aid in filtration- tend to clog the filter and/or skimmer. The Koi love to eat them though. Great (and cheap) supplemtal food.
Koi are notoriously hard on plants. They will uproot water lilies as well as any other plants as the Koi get big.
There are ways to protect the plants with swimming islands and cages made specifically for this purpose and they have to be used to let the plants grow.
Hyacinths are tropical and have to be discarded in the fall in cooler climates. Hardy water lilies will be there year after year.
Best regards
Brigitte
www.pondmarket.com