Glyceria maxima var. variegata
Reed Sweet grass, Great water grass
Also known as Glyceria spectabilis 'Variegata', Glyceria aquatica 'Variegata'
- Height × spread
- 0.7m × 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This lovely grass has beautiful creamy foliage with narrow green stripes. The spring growth has a pink flush. The leaves are like slim straps, upright then arching, showing off their colours. Brownish flower panicles appear in July and August. This is much less vigorous than the species but it can be invasive in the right conditions, these being wetness in heavy retentive soil. In more dry conditions, in the border, it can behave moderately well.
- Flower colour
- Brown
- Foliage colour
- Green, Pink, White
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.7m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Water garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Water depth
- Up to 2.5cm
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bird attraction
- 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 - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
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.