Acorus

New Zealand’s Best Sweet-Flag Plants For Sale

Adding ornamental grass plants to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They provide a habitat and shelter for native fauna.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have a range of sweet-flag varieties that are perfect as groundcover plants or to use in borders. We’ll help you find the right Acorus for your space. Choose from a wide variety of plants that have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Acorus plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Acorus Plant Questions

1. What is Acorus?

Acorus, also known as sweet flag, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is a semi-aquatic plant that can be grown in water or moist soil. Acorus is native to Asia, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including New Zealand.

2. What types of Acorus are there?

There are two main species of Acorus: Acorus calamus and Acorus gramineus. Acorus calamus is the more common species and is typically grown in aquatic areas. Acorus gramineus is a smaller species and it is often used as an ornamental plant in borders and the like.

3. How do I grow Acorus?

Acorus is a relatively easy plant to grow. Acorus calamus can be grown in water or moist soil, and it prefers full sun or partial shade. Acorus gramineus requires free draining soil and a full sun or partial shade position.

4. How do I care for Acorus?

Acorus is a low-maintenance plant, but it does need regular watering, especially during summer. They should be fed with a balanced fertiliser in spring. If plants get too large they should be divided or cut back severely in spring to encourage fresh, new growth.

5. Does Acorus spread?

Acorus calamus spreads with rhizomes, which are underground stems that can spread out and produce new plants. Acorus gramineus grows as a clump with smaller rhizomes and tends to spread more slowly. Both species will also spread via seeds when grown in the right environment.

6. How do you grow Acorus?

To grow Acorus here are a few tips:

1. Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade. They prefer a moist, well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant. Dig it deeper and wider if you want to incorporate compost.
3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming it in gently to remove any air pockets.
4. Water the plant well and ensure it doesn’t dry out while it establishes.
5. Mulch around the plant with bark chips or compost to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

7. How big does Acorus gramineus get?

Acorus gramineus, or Japanese sweet flag, is a semi-aquatic perennial plant that can grow up to 20 cm tall and wide. It has narrow, grass-like leaves and produces small, yellow-green flowers in the spring. However, the actual size can vary depending on the climate, the amount of sunlight the plant receives, and the type of soil it is planted in. For example, Acorus gramineus is likely to grow larger in warmer climates with full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

8. What is the difference between Acorus gramineus and Acorus calamus?

Acorus gramineus and Acorus calamus are two closely related species of flowering plants in the Acoraceae family. They are both commonly known as sweet flag, and they share many similarities. However, there are also some key differences between them:

Leaf Shape and Size:

• The leaves of Acorus gramineus are flattened fans, similar to those of irises. They are typically 20-60 cm long and 1-2 cm wide.
• The leaves of Acorus calamus are taller and broader than those of Acorus gramineus. They can reach up to 1 metre in height and 3-4 cm in width.

Flower Spike:

• The flower spike of Acorus gramineus is relatively inconspicuous. It is typically 2-4 cm long and 1 cm wide.
• The flower spike of Acorus calamus is larger and can reach up to 6-10 cm long and 2 cm wide.

Rhizome:

• The rhizome of Acorus gramineus is slender and creeping. It is typically 1-2 cm thick.
• The rhizome of Acorus calamus is thicker and stouter than that of Acorus gramineus. It can reach 3 cm thick.

Habitat:

• Acorus gramineus is found in a wider range of habitats than Acorus calamus. It can be found in marshes, swamps, ditches, and along streams.
• Acorus calamus is primarily found in marshes and swamps.

Distribution:

• Acorus gramineus is native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to North America and Australia.
• Acorus calamus is native to Asia and Europe. It has also been introduced to North America.

Medicinal Uses:

• Acorus gramineus has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including as a digestive aid, a sedative, and an anti-inflammatory.
• Acorus calamus has also been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including as a stimulant, a sedative, and a pain reliever.

Safety:

• Acorus gramineus is generally considered safe when used in moderation. However, it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
• Acorus calamus is considered to be unsafe due to its potential to cause serious side effects, including seizures, hallucinations, and psychosis.

In summary, Acorus gramineus and Acorus calamus are two closely related species of sweet flag with some key differences. Acorus calamus is generally considered to be more toxic than Acorus gramineus.

9. Is Acorus Calamus banned in NZ?

Acorus calamus, also known as calamus or sweet flag, is banned in New Zealand. It is listed as a prohibited plant in Schedule 23 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This means that it is illegal to import, sell, or possess Acorus calamus in New Zealand. The ban on Acorus calamus is due to its toxicity. The plant contains compounds that can cause liver damage, seizures, and even death. It is also a potential carcinogen. If you are caught importing, selling, or possessing this plant you could be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned for up to two years.