Variegated Sweet Flag
Acorus calamus 'Golden Variegated'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Prefers moist to wet soils
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia and North America
Toxicity
Toxic, contains carcinogenic compounds
The Story
Plant Bio
Acorus calamus 'Golden Variegated' is a perennial emergent aquatic plant with upright, grass-like foliage featuring striking yellow and green variegation, and produces spiky, inconspicuous flowers on slender stems. This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant variegated foliage, making it an attractive ornamental choice for water gardens and pond margins, with a strong, aromatic scent.
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 dry periods for optimal growth.
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Transplant if necessary in early spring or fall.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil stays consistently moist for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds
- Divide every few years for vigorous growth
Don't
- Avoid drought stress ❌
- Don’t plant in overly dry or sandy soil
- Refrain from letting soil dry out completely
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
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 Sweet Flag questions
What zones can Variegated Sweet Flag grow in?
Variegated Sweet Flag is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Variegated Sweet Flag deer resistant?
Yes — Variegated Sweet Flag is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Variegated Sweet Flag bloom?
Variegated 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 Sweet Flag need full sun?
Variegated 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'
Licorice Japanese Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineus 'Licorice'
Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag
Acorus gramineus 'Hakuro Nishiki'
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 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.
