Butomus umbellatus is a striking British plant from the Butomaceae family this one is at the Beth Chatto Gardens. Commonly known as the ‘flowering rush’. They are submerged rhizomatous perennials categorised as shallow marginal plants, but they will grow well in boggy conditions. Butomus plants like plenty of room for their roots to spread as they grow and are heavy nutrient feeders helping to keep water clean!

The beautiful umbels of fragrant pink flowers emerge in late summer while their narrow leaves and tall stiff flower stems give damsel and dragonfly nymphs a platform out of the pond to shed into adults. This is in my top 5 favourite plants adding beauty, elegance and structure to ponds while supporting native wildlife. As seen above hoverflies are often seen hovering or nectaring at their flowers.

Being deciduous, the foliage dies back in winter. This also makes winter the best time to plant them. Position them in full sun, watch out for water lily aphids and cut back spent flower-heads.