Perennial
Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'
Golden Japanese sweet flag
Also known as: Acorus gramineus 'Oborozuki' (misapplied)
A low, grass-like evergreen with bright gold and green striped foliage for pond edges and moist ground.
- Full sun, Partial shade
- 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
- 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
- H5 · Zone 6
- May–June
- Semi evergreen
Overview
This slender sweet flag forms neat, arching tufts of narrow, glossy leaves striped gold and green, holding their colour through winter and brightening damp shade. It is a true moisture lover, equally happy in permanently wet soil, a shallow pond basket or the margins of a bog garden, and only needs dividing occasionally to keep clumps from becoming congested.
At a Glance
Growing Conditions
Aspect Suitability
- East-facing
- South-facing
- West-facing
Site Tolerance
- Wet soil
Soil Tolerance
- Clay
- Loam
- Acid
- Neutral pH
- Alkaline
Foliage
- Variegated
Foliage interest: 12 months of the year
Seasonal Timeline
- Flowering May Jun
- Foliage 12 months of the year
- Propagate Mar Apr
Maintenance Calendar
- Mar Divide congested clumps as growth resumes
- Apr Plant out or reposition divisions into permanently moist soil
- Jun Ensure the root area never dries out through summer
- Sep Remove any tatty or browned leaf tips
- Nov Check water levels stay adequate for basket-grown plants
Garden Design
Works well in: Bog, Contemporary, Cottage, Pondside
Use to edge a pond or line a damp path where the gold striping catches the light; it also does well in a shallow aquatic basket if the crown stays just above water level.
Companion planting: Irises, Primulas, Moisture-loving ferns
Wildlife Value
- Shelter
Safety
No well-established toxicity; ornamental foliage only.