Page 367 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

MARGINAL PLANTS 365

Carex elata ‘Aurea’ Eriophorum angustifolium
Bowles’ Golden Sedge Cotton Grass

ORIGINS The native form is widely distributed ORIGINS Widely distributed in temperate regions of the
throughout temperate regions of the world. northern hemisphere.
SIZE Reaches about 24 in (60 cm) in height. SIZE Grows to a height of about 12 in (30 cm).
WATER Can be grown in shallow water, or alternatively WATER Set on the marginal shelf 2 in (5 cm) below the
in damp earth. Hardy to –20°F (–29°C). waterline, or in damp soil. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C).
PROPAGATION This can easily be accomplished by the PROPAGATION Usually by the division of the rootstock,
division of existing plants in the spring. although it can also be grown from seed.
This member of the sedge family has distinctive
white flowers resembling cotton swabs that stand
on tall stems above its grasslike leaves. Despite its
rather delicate appearance, Cotton Grass grows
and spreads rapidly under favorable conditions.
Preferring a position in full sun and acidic, peaty
soil, this marginal is often found in moorland
areas. Cotton Grass spreads underground by its
rootstock, so it is likely to overrun the margins
of a pond if it is not properly containerized.
Hardy and evergreen, Cotton Grass will blend
Clumps of this golden-yellow sedge look their very effectively into an informal planting plan
best when set alongside contrasting red- or green- around the perimeter of a pond, especially when
leaved marginals. This plant is not particularly it is interspersed with taller, more statuesque
invasive, with individual clumps rarely exceeding plants. A related species, known scientifically as
18 in (45 cm) in diameter. The brownish flower E. latifolium, is also occasionally available. It has
spikes are hard to see among the arching foliage. similar growing needs and can be distinguished
At the end of the growing season, cut back old from E. angustifolium by its wider leaves and the
foliage to ensure renewed growth in the spring. purplish-green coloration of its flowering spikes.

Cyperus involucratus
Umbrella Sedge

ORIGINS In eastern parts of Africa, as well as on the
island of Madagascar, off Africa’s southeast coast.
SIZE Reaches a height of up to 24 in (60 cm).
WATER Typically grows at the perimeter of the pond, or
in shallow water. Minimum temperature 40°F (5°C).
PROPAGATION By the division of existing plants in fall,
although it can also be grown from seed.
Umbrella Sedge is not frost-hardy and requires
winter protection in all but the mildest areas.
It is best suited to being planted in a container that
can be moved indoors before the first autumn
frosts. Place the container in a trough of water in
well-lit surroundings until late spring, when it will
be safe to return the plant to the garden. In
milder regions, Umbrella Sedge may survive
outside if placed in deeper water than normal,
which will prevent the base of the plant from
becoming encased in ice. The flowers of Umbrella
Sedge form on bracts during late summer. The
arching leaves of this plant are an attractive
light green when growing but turn brown
as fall approaches, with the seed-heads assuming
a similar color. For a hardy alternative, Sweet
Galingale (C. longus) survives to 0°F (–18°C), but it
will still need to be set in a container, because its
sharp roots may otherwise damage the pond liner.

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