Carex variegatus hort.
variegated slender sweet flag
A clump-forming, compact, tufted, marginal aquatic perennial, to 30cm in height, with narrow, variegated green leaves, margined creamy-yellow margins, which droop slightly at the tips. Performs well in damp, shady locations and provides excellent dense, evergreen ground cover
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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 | Cream Green Variegated Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Cream Green Variegated Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Cream Green Variegated Yellow | |||
| Winter | Cream Green Variegated Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Acoraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Acorus are deciduous or semi-evergreen, moisture-loving rhizomatous perennials forming tufts of linear or sword-shaped leaves, with insignificant spike-like flowers borne near the tips of central leaf-like stems
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in wet or very moist fertile soils. Can be planted in baskets in shallow water. It also makes a useful aquarium plant but is short-lived where water temperatures exceed 22°C for long periods. Divide every few years to prevent congestion. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by rhizome division at the beginning of the growing season. Pot up and plant out only when fully established
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Tidy foliage if necessary in early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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