Schoenoplectus lacustris

Schoenoplectus lacustris 'Albescens', also known as acute sedge or cattail bulrush, is an elegant perennial semi-aquatic plant related to Papyrus. It forms evergreen clumps of upright, green stems, vertically variegated with white. This medium-sized sedge produces dense brown-red spikelets in the heart of summer. Ideal in muddy, wet, marshy soil, it is a must-have for submerged banks. At the edge of bodies of water, it brings brightness and verticality to aquatic scenes.

This variegated cattail bulrush is a rhizomatous and stoloniferous plant, selected in Japan. The upright stems are evergreen. Widely distributed around the globe, it belongs to the Cyperaceae family. The slow-growing plant will reach a height of about 1.2 to 1.5m (4 to 5ft) and will spread with its rhizomes over a minimum surface of 50cm (20in), which can become very significant if given enough space. Flowering takes place from June to August, in the form of clustered spherical and compact spikelets. It is followed by fruits consisting of two achenes measuring 2 to 2.5mm in length.

This sedge will naturally find its place on the banks of your ponds, in very wet areas. This plant deserves to be given space so that it can reach its full development and display all its sculptural qualities. In nature, it can form large, almost monospecific colonies. In the garden, it can be planted with other plants of the same type. It can also be used as a purifying plant. To prevent it from becoming too invasive, it can be planted in containers submerged in ponds. It tolerates gardens subject to sea spray. It is also suitable for planting in aquatic containers on patios.