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