Acorus

Acorus plants and species

Acorus plants and species are a group of grassy plants, the most common being Acorus gramineus or 'Japanese Sweet Flag' is a hardy plant that also has a variegated form Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' both will reach around .5m.

Known as sedges and sometime rushes as well as 'sweet flag', Acorus grow well in moist to wet soils, this makes them useful in many areas where other ornamental grasses will struggle.

Grown mainly as an ornamental grass (flowers are insignificant) Acorus does well in damp conditions, also useful as a marginal plants near ponds. Acorus can be grown in a pot or container if enough moisture can be maintained. Acorus gramineus 'ogon' is a dwarf or smaller growing cultivar, very useful a the front of damp border area.

Acorus calamus is another species sometimes used for medicinal purposes, generally taller with broader foliage.

Varieties and cultivars include :

• Acorus gramineus 'variegatus' - Strong deep green and creamy white variegated foliage. (pictured)
• Acorus gramineus ' Golden Delight' - a low growing sedge with yellow and pale green striped foliage.
• Acorus gramineus ' Licorice' - a green cultivar with long foliage.
• Acorus gramineus ' Golden Edge' - buttery gold foliage.
• Acorus gramineus ' Ogon' - Golden variegated foliage, very popular with landscapers.

John Allman

• ornamental grasses
• ground cover plants

Acorus varieties are available for sale from the following nurseries

TOUCHWOOD PLANTS - Carrie Thomas tel 01792 522443
Postal Address 4 Clyne Valley Cottages, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7DU
Unusual, rare and cottage garden plants. Seed lists, also plants for sale.
www.touchwoodplants.co.uk

PENLAN PERENNIALS
Wern Rhos Newchapel Boncath SA37 0EN - Tel/Fax 01239 842260
Marginal and Bog Plants, Waterlilies, Hardy Geraniums, Ferns, Grasses, Shade & Woodland Perennials. Free online catalogue
www.penlanperennials.co.uk .

BLUEBELL ARBO RETUM and NURSERY
Annwell Lane Smisby nr. Ashby de la Zouch Derbyshire LE65 2TA
Office telephone: *(01530) 413700.
Includes: Acorus
www.bluebellnursery.com

THE ALPINE AND GRASS NURSERY
Northgate, Pinchbeck Spalding Lincolnshire PE11 3TB - Tel: 01775 640935
Mail order and wholesale growers of alpines/rockery plants and ornamental grasses. Full catalogue online. Specialist large range. Discount to landscapers for mail order service.
www.alpinesandgrasses.co.uk