Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineus 'Hakuro Nishiki'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist to wet soil
Humidity
Prefers high humidity environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China, Southeast Asia
Toxicity
May cause mild stomach upset if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Acorus gramineus is a semi-evergreen, grass-like perennial that forms a low-growing tuft of narrow, iris-like leaves. It features inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in late spring or early summer. This cultivar is valued for its striking variegated foliage, which brightens up water gardens, boggy areas, borders, and containers. Its compact, spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover for moist locations.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
- Mist foliage during hot, dry periods for health.
- Divide plants every 2-3 years in early spring.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protect in winter with mulch in colder zones.
Pro Tip
Ensure moist, shaded soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 💧
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Divide every few years for vigorous growth
- Plant in shaded or partly shaded areas
Don't
- Avoid dry, well-drained soils ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Do not neglect mulching in winter
- Avoid over-fertilizing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag questions
What zones can Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag grow in?
Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag deer resistant?
Yes — Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag bloom?
Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag need full sun?
Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Acorus to compare
Golden Japanese Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineus 'Wogon'
Variegated Sweet Flag
Acorus calamus 'Golden Variegated'
Licorice Japanese Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineus 'Licorice'
Dwarf Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineus 'Pusillus'
Variegated Sweet Flag
Acorus calamus 'Variegatus'
Japanese Sweet Flag Ogon
Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
