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ACORUS calamus 'Variegatus'

Image of Acorus calamus 'Variegatus'

Jesse Saylor

Family

Acoraceae

Botanical Name

ACORUS calamus 'Variegatus'

Plant Common Name

Striped Sweet Flag, Sweet Flag

General Description

Striped sweet flag is an herbaceous perennial that is native throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. It has inconspicuous flowers and is grown primarily for its tall, upright, broad, iris-like foliage. Acorus calmus 'Variegatus' has very showy white bordered leaves. These plants spread by rhizomes (underground stems) and grow best in moist boggy areas with full to partial sun. Semi-aquatic in nature, sweet flag works well in naturalistic plantings along waterways or in gardens with moist, fertile soil.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 2

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    North America, Canada, Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Poorly Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Wet Site

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Ample Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Light Green

  • Fruit Color

    Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    White, Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Striped/Striated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    White, Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Striped/Striated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    White, Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Striped/Striated

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bog Garden, Edging, Mixed Border, Water Gardens

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No