About
A vigorous evergreen perennial to 1.2m tall, with hollow, black-banded, bamboo-like stems. A good vertical accent plant for a pond margin, but should be grown in a container to restrict its roots as it has the potential to become a nuisance.
About the genus
Equisetum are also known as horsetails or living fossils as they are the only living genus in Equisetaceae, a family of vascular plants which reproduce by spores rather than seeds. Plants have a rush-like appearance.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist to boggy soil in sun or partial shade. To grow in a pond, plant in an aquatic basket lined with hessian and filled with heavy loam. Add a thick topdress of gravel prior to submerging, to prevent the growing medium clouding the water. Submerge no deeper than 30cm. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningPrune out dried and brown stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free