Overview
Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' is a grass in the genus Glyceria, part of the Q43238 family. Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include pond margins, water gardens and wetland areas. It is native to Europe and Western Siberia.
About
Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' is a grass notable for its variegated leaves that mark wet margins and shallow water. It suits full sun to partial shade and stays content in wet or moist clay, loam or silt. Rated H5 (hardy), it tolerates sheltered or exposed positions. Flowering occurs June to August.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Glyceria maxima
About the genus
Glyceria is a widespread genus of grass family common across Eurasia, Australia, North Africa, and the Americas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Glyceria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Glyceria
In the garden
Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' is a variegated form of Glyceria from Europe and Western Siberia, cultivated for its pale-striped foliage at the waterline. The cultivar prefers permanently wet or consistently moist substrates and will perform where soils are clay, loam or silt rather than freely draining mixes. Place plants in full sun to partial shade and allow them to occupy margins where roots can remain damp; the species tolerates a wide soil pH from acidic through neutral to alkaline and suits both sheltered and exposed sites. It carries an H5 rating, classed as hardy in UK conditions, so it does not require winter protection under normal circumstances. Use Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' at pond edges, in water gardens or in constructed wetland features to provide leaf contrast along the bank. Flowering takes place from June to August, though the striped foliage is the primary landscape interest at the water’s edge and will help define the margin visually when inflorescences are present.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Glyceria
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- clay, loam, silt
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- wet,moist
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Suggested uses
- pond margins, water gardens, wetland areas
- Native to
- Europe, Western Siberia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Glyceria maxima 'Variegata'
- Cultivation
- Prefers wet soils; tolerates standing water; plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Glyceria maxima 'Variegata'?
Prefers wet soils; tolerates standing water; plant in full sun to partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Glyceria maxima 'Variegata'?
Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' need?
Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and silt. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays wet to moist.
How do I prune Glyceria maxima 'Variegata'?
Cut back old foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?
Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Glyceria maxima 'Variegata'?
Division in spring or autumn.
