Glyceria maxima var. variegata

variegated reed sweet-grass

Eventual height & spread

Glyceria maxima var. variegata

variegated reed sweet-grass

  • 1 litre aquatic pot
  • £21.99
  • shipped within 1 Week
  • 3 × 9cm pots
  • £27.99
  • shipped within 1 Week
  • 3 litre aquatic pot
  • £29.99
  • shipped within 1 Week
  • 3 × 1 litre aquatic pots
  • £34.99
  • shipped within 1 Week
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.95
  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: reliably moist or boggy soil, or aquatic compost
  • Depth of water: 0-5cm
  • Rate of growth: fast
  • Flowering period: July to August
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


Quickly spreading by underground rhizomes to form a generous clump of slender variegated foliage, which often emerges in spring with a pink flush. Then, in midsummer, tall stems appear, and these are topped with open clusters of purple-flushed green spikelets. Glyceria maxima var. variegata is a great option for bog gardens or softening the edges of larger ponds where quick cover is desired.


  • Garden care:
    To prevent this plant spreading too vigorously, it is advisable to pot it up (using aquatic compost) into a pond basket. Then, lift and divide the plant as necessary. In late winter, pop on a pair of tough gloves, and comb through the plant in late winter to remove any dead foliage.
    • CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant

    Goes well with