Buy lesser bulrush Typha angustifolia

Typha angustifolia

lesser bulrush

A bold, architectural perennial for wetlands and large water margins. It forms dense clumps of long, arching green leaves that sway in the breeze. In summer, Typha angustifolia produces distinctive cylindrical brown flower spikes on upright stems. These seed heads are highly valued in floral arrangements.

Fast-growing and hardy, it thrives in lakes, ponds, and naturalised landscapes. The plant provides essential cover for wildfowl and other aquatic wildlife, supporting biodiversity. It tolerates cold UK winters, surviving temperatures below -20°C (-4°F).

Vigorous growth allows it to establish quickly, but clumps may need management to prevent unwanted spreading. Ideal for creating wildlife-friendly habitats and screening areas in large gardens or parkland, and a reliable choice for ecological planting schemes and wetland restoration projects.

Please note, we offer this plant in aquatic pots (for submergence in water) and 9cm pots with our peat-free compost more suitable for planting above the water line in boggy soils.

How to care for Typha angustifolia:

These plants are available potted up (using a suitable aquatic compost) into aquatic pots. These pots are made of a fine mesh, which allows water to circulate through the compost, providing the plants with both oxygen and nutrients. If you are using them as a aquatic plant, they can be planted up to a water covering of 50cm (38in) deep.

For planting at or above the waterline, choose our 9cm pots for planting in boggy, reliably damp soils. Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring.

While its attractive seed heads may be left all winter if desired, it's best to clear them if they fall into the water to prevent any self-seeding where not desired. Additionally, cutting back foliage before spring growth starts helps maintain its appearance.

Eventual height:

1.5m

Eventual spread:

Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

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