Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' is a finely textured ornamental grass like perennial with creamy white and green striped leaves that arch in tidy clumps. A great option to bring light to shaded areas!
Height & Spread: 10 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist to wet soils; tolerant of poorly drained areas
Watering Needs: High; prefers consistent moisture or shallow standing water
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar originates from the Asian species Acorus gramineus, which is not native to North America but is widely used in ornamental wetland and shade gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Creates cover and habitat for beneficial insects in rain gardens and moist woodland settings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to form low drifts or edge plantings without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for stream banks, shady water gardens, bogs, or moisture retentive borders. Pairs well with bolder foliage plants in containers or mixed plantings.
Companion Plants
- Aruncus dioicus (Goat’s Beard) - Tall airy white blooms and robust foliage complement Acorus in shady moist landscapes.
- Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Flag Iris) - Tall, wet tolerant foliage and golden flowers add upright structure.
- Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' - Large, dark foliage and yellow blooms contrast beautifully with Acorus’s fine stripes.
- Carex elata 'Bowles Golden' - Offers similar bright foliage and adapts to the same wet habitats.
- Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' - Provides feathery blooms and a dense mat of leaves that thrive in rich, moist soils.