• Eventual height: 1m
  • Eventual spread: 2.5m

Glyceria maxima var. variegata

variegated reed sweet-grass

5 year guarantee
3 × 9cm pots £27.99
PL00002861
£21.99
RH30004996
£27.99
PL00002863
£29.99
PL00002862
£34.99
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  • Standard £5.95

This pond plant dies right back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: reliably moist or boggy soil, or aquatic compost
  • Depth of water: 0-5cm
  • Rate of growth: fast
  • Flowering period: July to August
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


Quickly spreading by underground rhizomes to form a generous clump of slender variegated foliage, which often emerges in spring with a pink flush. Then, in midsummer, tall stems appear, and these are topped with open clusters of purple-flushed green spikelets. Glyceria maxima var. variegata is a great option for bog gardens or softening the edges of larger ponds where quick cover is desired.


  • Garden care:
    To prevent this plant spreading too vigorously, it is advisable to pot it up (using aquatic compost) into a pond basket. Then, lift and divide the plant as necessary. In late winter, pop on a pair of tough gloves, and comb through the plant in late winter to remove any dead foliage.
    • CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant
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