Acorus gramineus Variegatus

Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' is a variety of dwarf sweet flag or Japanese rush that is particularly ornamental and bright, although slightly less hardy than the species. This pretty perennial plant prefers moist to wet soil, and can even be grown submerged under 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) of water, preferably in partial shade to protect its beautiful variegated light green foliage with cream accents. Its foliage, both dense and delicate, gathered in a slightly spreading cluster, remains decorative for much of the year. A very pretty plant, both ornamental and medicinal, ideal for decorating small ponds, water edges, waterfalls, and streams!

Acorus gramineus is a plant of the Acoraceae family, native to Japan, Korea, and eastern Asia. From the slightly creeping stump emerge leaves that resemble those of iris, but narrower, tough, thick, shiny, with a beautiful light green colour and a central white-cream stripe, a very bright colour in a semi-shaded area. It is aromatic when crushed and has a rather aniseed scent. The rhizomes, used in traditional Japanese medicine, are also fragrant, reminiscent of liquorice. This slow-growing perennial plant is not invasive. At maturity, it will form a 30cm (12in) cluster in all directions. The greenish flowers are almost invisible, gathered in a short spadix and appear at the beginning of summer.

This variegated Japanese rush forms a large cluster in a few years, which goes perfectly with Japanese irises, Asian primroses, or willows on the edges of a pond. Similarly, you can also plant it in a trough or in a garden with particularly heavy and moist soil.

We have planted a variety similar to Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' in one of our ponds, where its semi-evergreen foliage is very useful as most water edge plants disappear in winter. Acorus gramineus is considered non-hardy, but it has been outside for over 20 years and does not suffer from the cold. It may be preferable to overwinter it in a cold greenhouse or in a well-ventilated and sunny location, protected from frost, while keeping the soil consistently moist in regions with colder winters.