This low-maintenance perennial forms a dense grass-like groundcover in wet soil and grows even in standing water.
Sweet flag is a genus of grass-like, low-maintenance perennials.
Sweet flag spreads slowly over time via rhizomes and forms a dense groundcover.
The foliage of sweet flag has a light, sweet scent when crushed.
Sweet flag is happy with slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Dig a hole that is about 1.5 times as wide as the root ball and about as deep.
Set the plant in the hole and backfill it with original soil.
Water it well after planting.
Space plants 1 foot apart.
In drier locations, youll need to keep up with watering.
If you planted it in a very wet location, or in standing water, full sun is fine.
Temperature and Humidity
The hardiness ofAcorusvaries slightly with the species.
American sweet flag is the hardiest, it can be grown down to Zone 3.
High humidity is not an issue for the plant, but dry conditions are not suitable.
Stop fertilizing in the late summer because new leaf growth is especially vulnerable to frost.
Pruning
There is usually no need to prune sweet flag.
If it looks untidy, cut it back slightly just like ornamental grass.
Fill the container with a layer of gravel, followed by rich, fertile soil or potting mix.
Sink the container into its permanent location.
Pests and Problems
Sweet flag has no serious insect or disease issues and it is deer-resistant.
Leaf scorch is a sign that the plant is not getting sufficient moisture.
The plant grows 2 to 2.5 feet tall and spreads 1.5 to 2 feet.
Zone 4-10
Grassy-Leaved Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineusis asemi-evergreen sweet flag species native to Asia.
It has narrow, grass-like leaf blades and grows only 6 to 12 inches tall.
Ogon is a popular cultivar.
It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.
Zone 3-6
Sweet Flag Companion Plants
Louisiana Iris
Louisianairisesare native to areas of North America.
The bright red flowers attract hummingbirds.
sweet flag leaves smell spicy or with citrusy overtones of lemon or tangerine.
The roots ofAcorus calamus smell of cinnamon when crushed.
