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Butomus umbellatus

Butomus umbellatus
Flowering Rush, Grassy Rush, Lily Grass, Water Gladiolus

3,6/5
13 reviews
3 reviews
2 reviews
5 reviews
4 reviews

Received 3 young plants, only visible element the soil. Planted and submerged in my pond, I am waiting for spring to give an opinion. Thank you for the label mentioning "dormant period, bud emergence in spring) to be continued.

Josée, 15/11/2021

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Butomus umbellatus is a marshy perennial plant, found in shallow waters, similar to the rush.  The umbels of white to pink or light red flowers in mid summer are fragrant. It adds a touch of beauty to aquatic scenes.
Flower size
10 cm
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Damp soil
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Best planting time September to November
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

Butomus umbellatus, the flowering rush, is a perennial aquatic plant,  liking shallow water.  The clumps of stiff, linear, deciduous stems are accompanied by umbels of fragrant white to pink or light red flowers.  It is an ideal perennial for heavy, wet or marshy soil,  at the edge of water.  It brings a touch of beauty to aquatic scenes in summer.

 

 

The flowering rush is a species of perennial herbaceous aquatic plants in the family Butomaceae. It is found on river banks, in wet places, reed beds, river banks and ditches in temperate zones of Europe and Asia. Reaching a height of 100 to 120 cm (39 to 47in), with a spread of 60 cm (24in), this rush has a habit of clumps of stiff, medium green, bronze stems when young. In summer, the tall floral stems display fragrant umbels, about 10 cm (4in) wide, composed of around thirty pink corollas with a stigma and nine carmine stamens. They are sometimes partially hidden by the foliage. The narrow and twisted deciduous leaves are very sharp and angular. The plant spreads by rhizomes producing small tubers in summer.

 

Butomus umbellatus requires rich soil and a sunny position. If it is happy, it can quickly form a beautiful clump. This plant is hardy, tolerating temperatures below -15°C (5°F), it only dislikes extreme frosts and can be  immersed in water to a depth up to -20 cm (1in). It is entirely possible to grow it in a pot.

 

 

The flowering rush is protected in several regions of France, including Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It is also protected in Algeria. This plant is considered an invasive species in North America where it was introduced in 1897.

Butomus umbellatus in pictures

Butomus umbellatus (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Umbel
Flower size 10 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate normal
Suckering/invasive plant

Botanical data

Genus

Butomus

Species

umbellatus

Family

Butomaceae

Other common names

Flowering Rush, Grassy Rush, Lily Grass, Water Gladiolus

Origin

Northern Europe

Product reference801251

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Planting and care

Butomus umbellatus requires rich soil and a sunny exposure. If it is happy, it can quickly form a beautiful clump. Plant the flowering rush in regular soil, in water to a depth up to -20 cm (1in). This plant is hardy to -15°C (5°F), and only dislikes extreme frosts. If you cultivate it in a pot, which is entirely possible, divide it regularly to ensure beautiful flowers. Self seeding is also very common as the seeds of the flowering rush float in water and then sink and root.

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Planting period

Best planting time September to November
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Pond edge, Pond
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 2 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Damp soil, Marshy

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
3,6/5

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