Description of Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag)

Acorus calamus is sweet flag, a reed-like marginal with sword-shaped leaves. It grows in wet soil and shallow water and gives height without heavy shade.

Appearance

It forms upright fans of leaves and can reach 60 to 120cm tall. Flower spikes are subtle and often hidden among the foliage.

Care Guide

It prefers wet soil or shallow water in full light.

• Sun: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Wet soil or shallow margins.
• Water: Keep roots saturated.
• Division: Divide clumps in spring.
• Tidy: Remove old leaves in late winter.

Leaves have a scent when crushed.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits bog gardens and pond edges where vertical foliage is needed. It pairs well with flowering marginals.

Use as a mid to back layer plant.

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