Acorus calamus Variegatus (Variegated Sweet Flag)
Ideal for wet areas, Acorus calamus ‘Variegatus’ (Variegated Sweet Flag) is an attractive herbaceous perennial forming a tuft of gracefully arching, narrow, sword-shaped leaves adorned with creamy-white and green stripes. Often displaying a nice pink tinge in cold weather, the foliage is sweetly fragrant when bruised.
Ideal for wet areas, Acorus calamus 'Variegatus' (Variegated Sweet Flag) is an attractive herbaceous perennial forming a tuft of gracefully arching, narrow, sword-shaped leaves adorned with creamy-white and green stripes. Often displaying a nice pink tinge in cold weather, the foliage is sweetly fragrant when bruised. In late spring, this plant bears inconspicuous yellow-green flowers, which give way to tiny, reddish berries. A great choice for naturalizing, Variegated Sweet Flag is quite versatile in the garden and makes a terrific foliage accent in water gardens and around ponds.
- Grows easily about 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). This plant will slowly spread over time by rhizomes to form a dense ground cover. It is not considered invasive.
- Enjoys full sun to part shade and thrives in medium to wet soils. Grows well in both boggy conditions, including shallow standing water to 9 in. deep (22 cm). Do not let the soil dry out. Afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates.
- This is a graceful plant for water gardens, rain gardens, stream or pond margins, and bogs. Excellent choice to brighten shady areas.
- Low maintenance, this plant is generally disease and pest free.
- Propagate by rhizome division at the beginning of the growing season. Pot up and plant out only when fully established. Divide every few years to prevent congestion.
- Acorus calamus species is native to North America, and Asia.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 2 – 11 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials |
Plant Family | Acorus – Sweet Flags |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |