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phragmites karka variegata marginal pond plants mp091b

Phragmites karka 'Variegatus' (Variegated Tropical Reed)

Bog Plant
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£2.60
£2.60 - £23.40
£2.60
Plant Size: 7 cm
Size Information

You can choose plants in various pot sizes. Non-potted plants arrive bare root for you to pot in the specified pot size.

Seasonal Information

Depending on the time of year, pond plants may be supplied fully-leaved, with flowers, or with foliage trimmed back.

Delivery Information

This plant is grown in the UK and sent directly from our tried, tested and trusted plant partner. Delivery price calculated at checkout.

Description of Phragmites karka 'Variegatus' (Variegated Tropical Reed)

Phragmites karka 'Variegatus' is a variegated reed with striped leaves and tall upright growth. It is used as a bold architectural plant for large wet gardens and pond edges.

Appearance

It forms tall canes with long leaves marked cream and green. In warm summers it may produce feathery plumes. Height can exceed 2m in rich wet soil.

Care Guide

It spreads by rhizomes, so containment is essential in garden settings.

  • Sun: Full sun.
  • Soil: Wet soil or aquatic compost.
  • Water: Boggy ground or shallow margins.
  • Control: Grow in a solid container sunk into the ground.
  • Cut back: Cut stems down in late winter.

Check regularly for runners escaping beyond the container.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits large bog gardens as a screening and background plant. It is too vigorous for small beds unless strictly contained.

Use it to create height behind flowering marginals.

FAQs

What are marginal pond plants?

Marginal pond plants grow around the shallow edges of ponds, with their roots and crowns in or close to the water while their leaves and flowers grow above the surface. They are ideal for planting on pond shelves and help soften the transition between the pond and surrounding garden.

How deep should marginal pond plants be planted?

The correct planting depth varies between species. Some marginals prefer their crowns only just below the water surface, while others tolerate deeper water. Always check the recommended planting depth for the individual plant rather than placing all marginal plants at the same depth.

Can marginal pond plants grow in a wildlife pond?

Yes. Marginal plants are particularly valuable in wildlife ponds because their foliage provides cover around the pond edge and their stems can give emerging aquatic insects a route out of the water. Flowering species can also provide food for bees, hoverflies and other pollinators.

Do marginal pond plants need aquatic baskets?

Marginal plants are commonly grown in aquatic baskets, especially in lined ponds. Baskets make plants easier to position, lift and divide and can help contain vigorous roots. They should normally be filled with suitable aquatic compost or heavy loam rather than ordinary multipurpose compost.

When should I cut back marginal pond plants?

Dead or dying foliage can be removed as plants die back, particularly in autumn, to reduce the amount of decaying material entering the pond. Vigorous marginal plants can also be thinned or divided when they become overcrowded.

What are the best pond plants for a wildlife pond?

The best wildlife pond plants provide a mixture of underwater cover, surface shade, flowering habitat and places for aquatic insects to emerge. A balanced pond can include oxygenating plants, marginal plants and floating-leaved plants such as water lilies. Native species are particularly useful for supporting UK pond wildlife.

Rated Excellent