About
Acorus calamus is a deciduous perennial that thrives in marginal aquatic environments, typically reaching heights of 60 to 90 cm. Its leaves are long, strap-like, and emit a distinctive aroma. In midsummer, the plant produces inconspicuous brown flowers, which can grow up to 7 cm in length, located just below the tips of the leaf-like flowering stems.
About the genus
Acorus comprises deciduous or semi-evergreen perennials that thrive in moist environments. These plants develop clumps of linear or sword-shaped foliage. Near the tips of their central, leaf-like stems, they produce small, spike-like flowers that are not particularly prominent.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow at pond margins in very moist or wet soils in full sun. Grows best in water no deeper than 22cm. Divide every few years to prevent congestion, See bog gardening, pond plants and Ornamental grasses cultivation
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by rhizome division at the beginning of the growing season. Pot up and plant out only when fully established
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free