Variegated Sweet Flag 'Variegatus' (Acorus calamus): A Fragrant, Striped Wetland Perennial

Variegated Sweet Flag 'Variegatus', Acorus calamus 'Variegatus', is a cultivar of the sweet flag, a wetland perennial native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its sword-like leaves are boldly striped with creamy white and green, and the foliage is sweetly fragrant when crushed.

Fragrant and Variegated

This plant forms a spreading clump of iris-like fans 2–3 feet tall. The leaves are strongly aromatic, with a sweet, spicy scent (used historically in perfumes and medicines). The variegation is stable. Inconspicuous greenish flowers appear on a lateral spadix in late spring.

Water Garden Essential

Acorus calamus thrives in shallow water, boggy soil, or consistently moist garden soil in full sun to part shade. It is very cold-hardy (zone 3). The variegated form is less vigorous than the green species. A classic for pond margins, bog gardens, and damp woodland edges.