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Butomus umbellatus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Other common names
grassy rush
lily grass
see morewater gladiolus
engraff
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

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