Typha latifolia Variegata (Variegated Broadleaf Cattail)

Typha latifolia 'Variegata' (Variegated Broadleaf Cattail) is a vigorous, marginal aquatic perennial forming a dense clump of stout, cylindrical, and unbranched stems up to 7 ft. tall (210 cm). The showy foliage of narrow, upright, linear, white and green-striped leaves turns golden brown in the fall. In spring to early summer, the plant bears green cylindrical catkins that turn rich brown in summer. The spikes usually persist to early winter before disintegrating. Typha latifolia 'Variegata' has tough, stout, coarse, and extensive rhizomes but is not as aggressive as the species. It spreads to form dense colonies in shallow water, where it provides a favorable habitat for red-winged blackbirds, as well as other marsh birds, and muskrats. Nutria, muskrats and beavers enjoy the shoots and roots, while teal ducks or finches eat the seeds. Variegated Broadleaf Cattail can be used as an accent plant or for a thick privacy screen. It can grow in a pond, water garden, bog garden or in a container that does not drain. Site plants carefully because the roots go deep and are hard to eradicate once established.

• Grows up to 3-7 ft. tall (90-210 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant thrives in shallow water, 12 in. deep (30 cm). Outside of containers, rhizomes can spread rapidly to form colonies when happy.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by root division or by seed.
• Typha latifolia species is native to North America, Europe and Asia.