Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush)
Flowering Rush, Grassy Rush, Lily Grass, Water Gladiolus
Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush) is a rush-like perennial with erect or floating, very long, grassy leaves, up to 3 ft. (90 cm) or more. In summer, large umbels of fragrant, rosy-pink flowers, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm), are borne on stiff stems. The delicate blossoms are pollinated by bees, flies, and lepidopterans. They are followed by beaked fruits which split at maturity to release the seeds. Native to Eurasia, Flowering Rush spreads mostly from rhizomes and occurs in wet areas with muddy soil, such as freshwater marshlands, lakes, and streams. It can displace native riparian vegetation and is listed as an invasive plant in some areas.
- Grows up to 1-5 ft. tall (30-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Once established in a marsh, populations tend to increase and persist indefinitely.
- Performs best in full sun in fertile mud at pond margins or in water up to 10 in. deep (25 cm).
- Excellent choice for moist to wet areas of the garden, water gardens, near ponds, and streams.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for water lily aphid.
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by rhizome division in spring.
- Native to Eurasia.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
Buy Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush)
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 5' (30cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Manfred Ruckszio, Irina Borsuchenko, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 5' (30cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |