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Butomus umbellatus

Flowering rush

A very ornamental and attractive flowering plant that can be found in marshlands and waterways across the world. 

Although the common name is 'Flowering Rush' the plant is not strictly a rush and has its own distinct family. 

It's grown for its upright habit with long slender grass-like leaves that are accompanied by tall stalks topped by fragrant pink flowers that smell of bitter almonds. 

Very hardy, this plant can be used in bog gardens or planted in ponds where it will happily grow when covered by 30cm or more of water. 

As with all water plants it can spread rapidly by thick rhizomes so grow in aquatic baskets that can be lifted (horrible job) if spreading is an issue. 

Attractive to damsel and dragonflies this looks wonderful in both formal and natural ponds.