Typha angustifolia

RHS Plant Profile
lesser bulrush

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lesser bulrush RHS 2002

Other common names

narrow-leaved reedmace, small reedmace, soft flag

Synonyms

Typha gracilis Rchb.

Aquatic Grass Like Bogs
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A spreading, deciduous perennial forming an extensive stand of long, arching, linear leaves, with cylindrical brown flower-spikes on erect stems in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Typhaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Typha are deciduous, rhizomatous perennials from marginal aquatic habitats, with long strap-shaped leaves and characteristic dark brown, cylindrical flower spikes in summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Temp. N. Hemisphere

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in water up to 40cm deep with deep mud. Root system may puncture pond liners, and in shallower water may spread rapidly, with the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division of rootstock in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free