Acorus and Carex - For Wet Soil
Acorus and Carex are perfect grassy choices for those difficult sites with poor drainage and wet soil.
Acorus, also known as Sweet Flag, is a genus of fine-bladed evergreen grass-like ground cover plants for moist soils. Species are native to North America and Asia, but have been naturalized in other parts of the world. Our selection, Acorus gramineus, is commonly known as Japanese Sweet Flag. As its name suggests, the species is native to Japan, but also to Korea. It is found growing in bogs and shallow water.
Japanese Sweet Flag is perfect for erosion control around lakes, ponds and streams where steep slopes allow heavy rain to wash into the water feature. If strong rainfall can wash the plants away before they become established, we suggest positioning a temporary barrier such as a silt fence or straw bales to block the water flow until the Acorus has taken hold.
Besides its usefulness for erosion control, Acorus is simply a delightful ornamental addition to water gardens of every kind, and can even be used in the aquarium. If the water is a bit too deep where you'd like to grow it, place a planting container in water feature, and grow your Acorus in the container. This raises the elevation a bit so your plants are not submerged.
In addition, Acorus delights the nose and the eyes. Its beautiful sweet smelling foliage provides year-round color, and blossoms and berries in the summer. It is easy on your schedule too, as it requires infrequent maintenance and has no common pests or diseases. This simple and rewarding plant will be perfect in or around your water feature.
More tips on Acorus Planting and Care
Carex is found worldwide. Some species are native to the U.S. Carex is most common in temperate and cold regions. Hardy in Zones 5-9, this ornamental grows in wet to very moist soils but will also thrive in evenly moist, well drained, loamy, sandy or clay soils.
Carex sedges are becoming more popular because they’re easy to take care of, gorgeous, and are often the most colorful plants in the winter garden.
Carex is excellent for erosion control on steep slopes where rainfall flows rapidly into water features. (Tip: Give it a little help with a silt fence or straw bales as described above until it becomes established.) It is also great for landscape restoration projects. Native Carex species are ideal for native plant collections and "sustainable" landscaping.
More tips on Carex Planting and Care
