Sweet Flag

This tall waterside perennial features long, narrow leaves that can easily be mistaken for those of Iris pseudacorus - until its sweetly scented rhizome gives it away. When crushed, the leaves release a fresh, citrusy orange fragrance. In summer, it produces small, horn-shaped green flowers that gradually turn brown. Introduced in the 16th century, it was once widely used as a pleasantly fragrant floor covering.

An excellent architectural marginal plant for ponds, it provides a strong backdrop for more decorative species. It also supports wildlife, offering sturdy stems for emerging dragonfly nymphs to climb as they leave the water. It thrives in full sun but is equally content growing in shade.

Position: Full sun or partial shade
Planting depth: Any poorly drained clay, sand or loam to an inch below water level
Growth rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: The leaves are beautiful; insignificant brown flower-spikes in summer
Hardiness: Extremely hardy
Size: 39” (1m) Spread: 20” (50cm) in 5-10 years (can get taller in wet conditions)

Aquatic pot and compost variations

Aquatic plants come in a variety of pot and compost variations that have different benefits for planting and growing.

Pot | AQ9cm (Aquatic Compost)
Pot must be removed and plant should be planted directly into soil or margins above or below the water line.

Pot | 9cm (Regular Compost)
Pot must be removed and plant should be planted directly into soil or margins above the water line. Cannot be planted directly into soil below the water line.

Mesh Pot (Aquatic Compost)
Pot can be removed and plant can be planted directly into soil or margins above or below the water line. Pot and plant can also be placed directly into water to be container grown, but will still need repotting in time.