Acorus
Grassy-Leaved Sweet Flag
Named for the pleasant pine-like fragrance emanating from its dapper semievergreen fans, Acorus is actually not a grass, but rather a grassy-looking herbaceous perennial. This deer-resistant Asian denizen eventually forges a dense trouble-free ground cover of waxy, upright flattened blades that grow from slow-creeping rhizomes. Recently included in the Acoraceae family and once used as an aromatic addition to gin, beer and perfumes, it craves consistently moist soil, flourishing in both boggy situations and even shallow standing water.
Acorus gramineus ‘Minimus Aureus’ (G-0593)
Each $9.75
The adorable fine-hewn tufts of lustrous, curved yellow-green blades impart a lambent pixie-like charm, while wafting a sweet scent. Happiest in moist niches with protection from hot summer sun, this easily grown diminutive perennial can be nestled between contrasting dark steps, cozied alongside smaller rocks or tucked into pint-sized patio containers.
Blooms May–June
Size: 3" high x 5" – 15" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
Acorus gramineus ‘Variegatus’ (G-0460)
Each $9.75
Neat alabaster-striped margins jazz up ‘Variegatus’s slim linear leaf-blades. An undemanding, redolent moisture-lover, the rounded, glossy Iris-like clump makes a lively low growing addition to damp shady borders or water’s edge.
Blooms May–June
Size: 8" – 12" high x 18" – 2' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.