Everything you need to know about ornamental grasses.
Alternative Uses
The subtle, sweet smell and flavor of this grasslike plant has long been prized for making a soothing, sweet tea. The slightly bitter roots can also be used in cooking and have been known to be a substitute for spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Just be careful to use them in moderation as the rootstocks can have a stimulating effect and mild psychoactive properties. These plants also have insecticidal characteristics, and the leaves used to be harvested and placed in closets to impart a slightly sweet scent to repel insect pests. See more insect-repelling plants for your garden here.
Sweet Flag Care Must-Knows
Sweet flag will grow easily in medium to wet soil and boggy areas, and does well in anything from full sun to part shade. The soil should never be allowed to dry out; if your plant has scorched leaf tips and withering leaves, it is too dry and needs to be watered. Sweet flag really thrives in water gardens. Plant it in containers and allow enough water to cover the crown of the plant, or place sweet flag in soil at the water’s edge. Sweet flag appreciates relief from hot summer sun with either afternoon shade or filtered sun. Because of its slow-growing nature by rhizomes, these plants are easily divided. This also helps to encourage a nice new flush of growth and can be done regularly every few years to rejuvenate them. Try sweet flag and these other plants in a water garden.
