Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) is a unique perennial plant prized for its architectural beauty and historical medicinal uses. It’s native to wetlands and marshes in temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. The plant is known for its sword-shaped, fragrant leaves that emerge in shades of green or variegated green and white. Sweet Flag grows in clumps and reaches a mature height of 3000 cm.
Habitat
Sweet Flag thrives in moist environments like bogs, marshes, and riverbanks. It prefers full sun to partial shade and consistently moist soil. In some regions, it can be found growing wild in these areas.
Planting and Care
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Sweet Flag tolerates wet feet.
- Maintenance: Minimal maintenance required. Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
Additional Information
- The leaves of Sweet Flag have a pleasant, calamus-like aroma and were historically used in traditional medicine for various ailments.
- It attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Propagation is easily done by dividing rhizomes in spring or fall.
Please note: Sweet Flag is not suitable for dry conditions. It requires consistently moist soil to thrive. While it may tolerate some freezing temperatures, it’s best grown in areas with consistent moisture year-round.
