Schoenoplectus lacustris
Zebra rush, Lake club rush, Great bullrush
Also known as Scirpus lacustris, Bolboschoenus lacustris
- Height × spread
- 1.5m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This plant for bogs or shallow waters is usually seen in its variegated form but the green leafed species has a quiet dignity that complement a position by still dark waters. Long, rounded, dark green stems stand upright and support dense reddish brown flower spikes followed by neat clusters of oval brown seeds. This likes a sunny spot in neutral or acid shallow water. It stands around 1.5 metre high with a 30 cm spread. It has, however, a creeping habit of growth with spreading rhizomes so will spread.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Water garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- Up to 7.5cm
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Feed with aquatic plant food
As the plant is grown in water, feed with an aquatic feed as directed on the packet. Do not exceed the amounts given as this can affect the water.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Winter · Planting
Remove dead leaves
Remove dead leaves as they are noticed to keep the plant attractive.
Summer
Summer - late · Planting
Divide the plant
Divide the plant and throw away any poor or weak growth. Immediately replant the divided portions.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Compost for aquatic plants
Use aquatic plant compost for pond plants (other composts contain nitrates that cause problems in ponds). Pond plants are generally planted in baskets and weighted to keep in position.