Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Japanese Sweet Flag

Acorus Gramineus

Design with this plant

Overview

Acorus gramineus, commonly known as Japanese Sweet Flag, is an evergreen perennial. This ornamental grass-like plant features lustrous, sword-shaped leaves, radiating a sweet fragrance when crushed. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil, reaching heights of 6-12 inches with an equal spread. Ideal for water features, its tufted growth habit provides a lush, green texture in zones 5-11, requiring partial to full sun exposure. Blooms are subtle, with interest lying in foliage.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, HighZones 5–9Type Grass, Ground cover
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — which helps ensure a long-lived presence in the landscape

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Extra in Summer, High
USDA zones
5–9

Shape & size

Mature height
0.5–1 Ft.
Mature width
0.5–1 Ft.

Classification

Type
Grass, Ground cover
Family
Araceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (53)

Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — This ornamental grass-like plant features lustrous
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — Acorus gramineus, commonly known as Japanese Sweet Flag, is an evergreen perennial; it thrives in moist, well-drained
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — grass / ground cover for full or half or shade
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — radiating a sweet fragrance when crushed
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — although variegated types exhibit stripes of yellow or white
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — This charming plant typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches and boasts a spread of about 8 to 12 inches
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — its tufted growth habit provides a lush
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — The plant is also relatively pest-free and robust against diseases
Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus Gramineus) — adding an olfactory dimension to gardens
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Acorus Gramineus
Photographs by 3 contributors

Related plants

Adansonii Swiss Cheese Vine (Monstera adansonii) — The Monstera adansonii is a vigorous tropical houseplant with green

Adansonii Swiss Cheese Vine

Monstera adansonii

Half
Bird's Nest Anthurium (Anthurium Hookeri) — scientifically known as Anthurium hookeri

Perennial

Bird's Nest Anthurium

Anthurium Hookeri

ShadeUSDA 10–11
Black Magic Taro (Colocasia Esculenta 'Black Magic') — so caution should be exercised if pets or children are present in the garden vicinity

Shrub

Black Magic Taro

Colocasia Esculenta 'Black Magic'

ShadeUSDA 9–11
Blackout™ Zebrina Black Stem (Alocasia zebrina) — The Alocasia zebrina is a bold tropical houseplant with deep green

Blackout™ Zebrina Black Stem

Alocasia zebrina

Half
Blushing Bride Sun or Shade Caladium (Caladium hortulanum) — The Caladium hortulanum 'Blushing Bride' is an upright strap-leaf caladium grown for vivid pink

Blushing Bride Sun or Shade Caladium

Caladium hortulanum

Bold Forest™ Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema x) — The Aglaonema x Bold Forest™ is a compact Chinese Evergreen with dark green

Bold Forest™ Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema x

Half