Butomus umbellatus
flowering rush
A rush-like, marginal aquatic perennial to 1.5m tall, with upright, twisted grassy, mid-green leaves that turn bronze-purple then dark green as they extend, and stiff stems bearing umbels of fragrant rosy-pink flowers 2cm in width in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Butomaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Submerged, Tufted
- Genus
Butomus are submerged rhizomatous perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and 6-petalled pink flowers held in umbels well above water level
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile mud at pond margins or in water up to 25cm deep, in full sun. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by rhizome division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to water lily aphid
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.