Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' is a graceful ornamental grass like perennial prized for its bright golden yellow foliage streaked with green. Emits a fresh citrus scent when pinched or bruised and adds great movement and color to shady garden areas!
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist to wet soil; tolerates shallow standing water
Watering Needs: High; keep soil consistently moist
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from the Japanese species Acorus gramineus, which is not native to North America but is commonly grown in ornamental and wetland gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Provides shelter and foraging sites for beneficial predatory insects like ground beetles and bees in moist environments.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow room for slow spreading clumps and natural drifts.
Landscape Placement
- Perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, low borders, and shady water features where consistent moisture is present. Also grows well in containers with ample water.
Companion Plants
- Iris ensata (Japanese Iris) - Offers striking vertical flowers and thrives in similar moist conditions.
- Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) - Adds vertical red blooms and pollinator support near wet sites.
- Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold) - Offers early season golden blooms in boggy soils or pond edges.
- Mimulus ringens (Allegheny Monkeyflower) - A native wetland perennial with lavender flowers that thrives alongside Acorus.
- Hosta 'June' - Provides broad blue and gold foliage that complements Acorus’s narrow variegated leaves.