Overview
Typha angustifolia is a tufted aquatic in the genus Typha, part of the Typhaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Typha angustifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow. It is native to Temp. N. Hemisphere.
About
Typha angustifolia is a deciduous perennial that develops a broad colony of elongated, arching leaves. In summer, it produces upright stems topped with cylindrical flower spikes that are brown in color.
About the genus
Typha is a group of deciduous, rhizomatous perennials commonly found in wetland areas. These plants feature elongated, strap-like leaves and produce distinct, cylindrical flower spikes that are dark brown, appearing during the summer months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Typha
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Typha angustifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Grass Like, Bogs
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Typha angustifolia
- Cultivation
- Grow in water up to 40cm deep with deep mud. Root system may puncture pond liners, and in shallower water may spread rapidly, with the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by division of rootstock in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Typha angustifolia?
Grow in water up to 40cm deep with deep mud. Root system may puncture pond liners, and in shallower water may spread rapidly, with the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Typha angustifolia?
Typha angustifolia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Typha angustifolia need?
Typha angustifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Typha angustifolia?
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring.
How big does Typha angustifolia grow?
Typha angustifolia reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Typha angustifolia hardy in the UK?
Typha angustifolia has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Typha angustifolia?
Propagate by division of rootstock in spring.