About
An evergreen perennial with almost leafless cylindrical grey-green stems, banded with cream, and small brown flowers in clusters in summer.
About the genus
Schoenoplectus are moisture-loving, rhizomatous evergreen perennials with grass-like foliage and insignificant brown flowers in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Grass Like, Bogs
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, borders, naturalistic schemes.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in permanently moist, fertile soil. May also be grown in up to 30cm of water. Has potential to become a nuisance in small ponds if not managed well. Tolerates slow moving water. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningTrim back regularly to restrict spread. Cut out reverting stems back to the rhizome
PropagationPropagate by rooting sections of rhizome from mid-spring to mid-summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free