Acorus gramineus Ogon (Golden Variegated Sweet Flag)

Ideal for wet areas, Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’ (Golden Variegated Sweet Flag) is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial forming an attractive tuft of gracefully arching, narrow, sword-shaped, golden-yellow leaves adorned with olive green stripes. The foliage is sweetly fragrant when bruised and evergreen in mild winter areas.

Ideal for wet areas, Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (Golden Variegated Sweet Flag) is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial forming an attractive tuft of gracefully arching, narrow, sword-shaped, golden-yellow leaves adorned with olive green stripes. The foliage is sweetly fragrant when bruised and evergreen in mild winter areas. From spring to early summer, it bears inconspicuous yellow-green flowers that give way to tiny, reddish berries. A great choice for naturalizing, Golden Variegated Sweet Flag is quite versatile in the garden and terrific in mixed containers. It helps control erosion on water banks and makes a useful aquarium plant too.

  • Grows easily about 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 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. Can be planted in baskets in shallow water, 3-4 in. deep (7-10 cm). Afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates.
  • This is a graceful plant for water gardens, rain gardens, stream or pond margins, bogs and as a ground cover. 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 gramineus species is native to China, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 2
– 11

Climate Zones 3, 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 (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spread 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Small Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage