Acorus 'Oborosuki'

Acorus gramineus 'Oborozuki': Variegated Sweet Flag

With its luminous, gold-striped blades and graceful, grass-like habit, Acorus 'Oborozuki' lights up the garden with a soft, rippling glow. This semi-evergreen perennial spreads gently to form a low, arching clump of fragrant foliage that brightens damp or shaded sites. Its fine texture and striking variegation make it a standout in borders, rain gardens, or beside water features. Adaptable and easy to grow, this sweet flag thrives in moisture-rich soil and adds rhythm and contrast wherever it's planted.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm
• Flower Colour: Pale yellow-green (insignificant)
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Sword-like, golden-yellow with bright green margins; semi-evergreen
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist to wet, rich soil; tolerates shallow standing water

Uses and Benefits: 'Oborozuki' is perfect for edging paths, softening pond margins, or massing in rain gardens and wet borders. Its low, arching form and glowing foliage add movement and light to both modern and naturalistic plantings. Highly tolerant of wet soils and occasional flooding, it's a top choice for moisture management in ornamental gardens. Its fragrant leaves also make it a subtle sensory feature along garden paths or seating areas.

Companion Plants: Pair Acorus 'Oborozuki' with the sunny blooms of Coreopsis 'Baby Sun', the cheerful gold trumpets of Hemerocallis 'Stella d'Oro', and the soft lemon plumes of Achillea 'Moonshine'. Together, they create a glowing palette of yellow and gold with a balance of texture, bloom timing, and garden brightness.

Care Instructions: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry weather. Best in full sun to part shade with protection from hot afternoon exposure in warmer areas. Trim back foliage in early spring to refresh the clump. Division can be done in spring to maintain shape and vigour. Will tolerate shallow water up to a few centimetres deep for extended periods.

History: A cultivar of Japanese sweet flag, Acorus gramineus 'Oborozuki' translates roughly to "hazy moonlight"—a fitting name for its luminous, misty variegation. Native to East Asia, it has been used ornamentally and medicinally for centuries, and is now prized worldwide for its versatility and subtle beauty.

Final Thoughts: Shimmering with golden light and quietly fragrant, Acorus 'Oborozuki' brings texture, moisture tolerance, and understated elegance to any garden. It’s a true garden illuminator—low growing, high impact, and beautifully reliable.