Home " Marsh plants " Pied Dwarf Calamus (Acorus calamus 'Variegatus')
The variegated dwarf calamus (Acorus gramineus 'Ogon') is a compact marsh plant with yellow-green variegated leaves that is both decorative and functional. Thanks to its purifying effect on phosphates, this plant is ideal for ponds and helophyte filters. Suitable for small ponds, pond containers and wet bank areas. Order the variegated dwarf calamus here Through our partner.
The variegated dwarf calamus, also known as Acorus gramineus 'Ogon', is a graceful marsh plant which immediately catches the eye with its yellow stripes on fresh green leaves. This variety is the smaller brother of the well-known calamus and remains compact with its maximum height of about 30 cm. This makes it ideal for use in small ponds, wet areas and even patio boxes with pond plants.
Pied dwarf calamus forms a dense clump of upright, grassy leaves. The leaves are strikingly variegated, with yellow-green markings that are maintained throughout the growing season. In the summer months (June - August), inconspicuous green to yellow-green flowering spikes may appear among the leaves. The plant emits a subtle, aromatic fragrance when you bruise the leaves.
This dwarf calamus grows best in sun to semi-shade. It has few soil requirements, as long as it remains moist to wet. The plant does well in pond soil, loam, sandy soil and light clay soil. The ideal planting zone is zone 1 (riparian zone) or zone 2 (shallow marsh zone). A water layer of 0 to +10 cm is perfect.
Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' is not only a visual asset, but also contributes to the health of the pond environment. It helps remove excess phosphate from the water an important nutrient for algae, thereby preventing algae growth. This makes it ideally suited for use in helophyte filters and plant filters. In a pond basket on the patio or along a stream, this plant also does very well.
The variegated dwarf calamus is low-maintenance. In autumn, the leaves gradually die off. In spring, you can easily cut away the old leaves to help the plant with a fresh sprout. The plant is hardy, but it does lose its leaves. In severe frost, it is advisable to temporarily protect plants in pots or baskets with fleece.
Additional nutrition is not necessary, as the plant gets everything it needs from the soil or pond water. If you place it in a poorer substrate, such as gravel or substrate, some pond soil in a planting basket may be sufficient.
For healthy growth and sufficient purification, we recommend planting 4 P9 pots of variegated dwarf palmetto per 500 litres of pond water. For planting at the edge or in a border, spacing of 7 to 9 plants per m² applies.
Beautiful combinations are possible with, among others:
Yes, its compact growth makes this plant perfect for small ponds and even water containers on the balcony.
Be sure. Use a pond basket or spacious pot with wet pond soil and ensure a constant water layer of a few centimetres.
From March/April, the plant sprouts again with fresh variegated leaves. Growth is relatively slow but steady.
Spotted Dwarf Calamus can be ordered through our sales partner Vijvermeester.nl.
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