Sparganium erectum
branched bur reed
- 3 × 9cm pots
- £27.99 £9.33 each
- available to order from summer
- 3 litre aquatic pot
- £34.99
- available to order from summer
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Depth of water: 0-45cm (0-18in)
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Sparganium erectum is a vigorous rush-like plant with branched spikes of greenish-brown flowers in late-summer followed by prickly, teasel-like brown fruit. Branched bur reed is best planted in the shallow margins of a wildlife pond. Avoid using with flexible pond liners since they're at risk of damage from the plant's sharply pointed rhizomes.
Plant in fertile, loamy soil at the edge of ponds or in shallow water, with the crown positioned about 5-15cm (2-6in) below the water surface. In deeper ponds, it can tolerate water up to 30cm (12in) deep, but shallower conditions are usually best for strong growth and flowering. Space plants about 45-60cm (18-24in) apart to allow for spreading.
For wet or boggy soil conditions, choose our 9cm pot option and plant into deep, consistently moist ground at the edge of a bog garden or damp border. Enrich the soil with compost and keep it wet at all times, especially in summer, as the plant thrives in saturated conditions.
For shallow pond margins, pick our aquatic planting basket option which uses a loam-based aquatic compost. After planting, add a 2.5cm (1in) layer of pea shingle or gravel on top to stop soil dispersing into the water. Position the basket so the crown sits just above the waterline or with no more than a few centimetres of water over the soil.
Water marginal plants regularly until well rooted, and keep pond-grown plants topped up to maintain a stable water level. Remove spent flower spikes and old foliage to keep the plant tidy, and divide established clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigour.
For wet or boggy soil conditions, choose our 9cm pot option and plant into deep, consistently moist ground at the edge of a bog garden or damp border. Enrich the soil with compost and keep it wet at all times, especially in summer, as the plant thrives in saturated conditions.
For shallow pond margins, pick our aquatic planting basket option which uses a loam-based aquatic compost. After planting, add a 2.5cm (1in) layer of pea shingle or gravel on top to stop soil dispersing into the water. Position the basket so the crown sits just above the waterline or with no more than a few centimetres of water over the soil.
Water marginal plants regularly until well rooted, and keep pond-grown plants topped up to maintain a stable water level. Remove spent flower spikes and old foliage to keep the plant tidy, and divide established clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigour.