Equisetum japonicum
A vigorous evergreen perennial to 1.2m tall, with hollow, black-banded, bamboo-like stems. A good vertical accent plant for a pond margin, but should be grown in a container to restrict its roots as it has the potential to become a nuisance
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Black | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Black | |||
| Autumn | Green Black | |||
| Winter | Green Black |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Equisetaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Equisetum are also known as horsetails or living fossils as they are the only living genus in Equisetaceae, a family of vascular plants which reproduce by spores rather than seeds. Plants have a rush-like appearance.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist to boggy soil in sun or partial shade. To grow in a pond, plant in an aquatic basket lined with hessian and filled with heavy loam. Add a thick topdress of gravel prior to submerging, to prevent the growing medium clouding the water. Submerge no deeper than 30cm. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Prune out dried and brown stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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