About

A small, semi-evergreen aquatic perennial that thrives at the water's edge, featuring variegated leaves in shades of yellow and green.

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

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Poorly-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Aquatic, Bogs, Grass Like

Habit

Tufted

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation

Easy to grow in wet or very moist fertile soils. Can be planted in baskets in shallow water. It also makes a useful aquarium plant but is short-lived where water temperatures exceed 22°C for long periods. Divide every few years to prevent congestion. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

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