Variegated Slender Sweet Flag Acorus calamus 'Variegatus'

Variegated Sweet Flag is a non-flowering, marginal aquatic perennial, clump-forming rush or sedge in the acorus family, native to Central Asia. Erect, flat iris-like, narrow leaves emerge directly from rootstock. The plant spreads slowly by branching, creeping rhizomes and the leaves and rhizomes are sweetly scented when crushed, hence the common name. Stripes that give the leaves a variegated appearance can be cream white to yellow.

Variegated Sweet Flag is best grown in full sun or partial shade in moist to wet soil that is high in organic matter, but it will grow in soil with average moisture. It appreciates afternoon shade, especially in hot southern summers. It will also do well in shallow standing water up to 9 inches deep or in a wide mouth pot. Like its parent, it will spread by means of rhizomes, but it does not grow as rapidly as the species. Divide every few years to prevent congestion.

Because of its attractive foliage, Variegated Sweet Flag is often used as an accent plant in moist to wet sites or in standing water. To grow in a water gardens, plant rhizomes slightly below the soil surface in moist soils at the water’s edge or in containers set in shallow water. It also makes a useful aquarium plant, but is short-lived where water temperatures exceed 71 degrees F for long periods.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

No serious problems.  Leaf scorch can occur if soils are not kept consistently moist.

More information on Acorus calamus.