Glyceria maxima Variegata

Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' is an aquatic grass with variegated foliage that spreads through rootstocks. It forms large slender and flexible tufts, which are green variegated with cream or white. The spikelets appear in late summer and are greenish-purple. Ideal for muddy, wet, and marshy soils. This perennial stabilises banks. It adds a romantic and wild aspect to aquatic scenes.

The variegated reed sweet-grass belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a semi-aquatic perennial grass that forms a large and fairly dense tuft through its running rootstocks. It reaches a height of 60 to 100cm (24 to 39in) and can colonise a significant area. Its long, flat, and elegantly arched leaves are a beautiful green striated with white-cream. The leaves are filled with sap that has a sweet taste. The young shoots are reddish-pink. In late autumn, the foliage takes on pink to purple-red hues. In late summer, it develops paniculate panicles measuring 10 to 40cm (4 to 16in), adorned with greenish to purplish spikelets measuring 5 to 12mm (1in) in length.

Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' is a hardy perennial. It appreciates rich, consistently moist to wet soils and can also be cultivated in submerged water up to 10cm (4in). It can also be grown in a pot or even in drier soil where its growth will be more limited. Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' is naturally used on the banks of ponds, streams, or natural basins where it helps stabilise the muddy ground. Its bright foliage forms beautiful contrasts with that of other aquatic plants, such as pontederias or irises. This plant is beneficial to wildlife as it provides a breeding ground and excellent spawning sites for fish and amphibians. Glycerias are also widely used in lagoon areas for pond purification.