Echter's Plant Finder

Other Names:  Scouringrush Horsetail

Description:

A perfect selection for a boggy area of the landscape or at the edge of a pond; this variety produces masses of towering bamboo-like spikes that create a bold vertical effect; makes an excellent backdrop for a water feature; very low maintenance

Ornamental Features

Scouring Rush Horsetail is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its pronouncedly upright and towering form. Its attractive sword-like leaves remain green in color with pointy white spines throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Scouring Rush Horsetail is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a rigidly upright and towering form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Scouring Rush Horsetail is ideally suited for growing in a pond, water garden or patio water container, and is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• Water Gardens
• Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Scouring Rush Horsetail will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. As an aquatic plant, it requires a suitable water garden environment and will benefit from special planting and ongoing care practices; consult one of our in-store experts for further details and instructions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.