Sparganium erectum - Branched Bur-Reed, Native Pond Marginal Plant
Sparganium erectum - Branched Bur-Reed, Native Pond Marginal Plant
£6.80
/
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
Planting Time
Flowering Time
Sparganium erectum, known as branched bur-reed, is a tall UK native with long, keeled, rush-like leaves. From June to August it carries round heads of greenish-white flowers on branched stems, followed by prickly, bur-like seed heads.
Branched bur-reed at a glance
| Botanical name | Sparganium erectum (syn. Sparganium ramosum) |
|---|---|
| Common name | Branched bur-reed |
| Plant type | Tall, spreading, semi-evergreen perennial |
| Height and spread | About 1–1.5 m tall; spreads up to 2 m or more |
| Flowers | Greenish-white balls on branched stems, June to August, then prickly green-to-brown burs |
| Position | Full sun or part shade |
| Soil | Wet clay, loam or sand; any pH |
| Pond depth | 5–15 cm of water over the crown (RHS: up to 45 cm) |
| Hardiness | RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to | UK and Ireland (native) |
Is branched bur-reed suitable for a garden pond?
Yes, with care. In a lined pond, always grow it in a strong aquatic basket. The RHS warns it can spread indefinitely and become a nuisance, and the RHS Plants shop says its sharply pointed roots can puncture flexible pond liners.
Where to plant it
- Wildlife ponds and lakes with natural banks
- Lined garden ponds, in a strong aquatic basket, 5–15 cm deep
- Wildlife and reedbed planting schemes
Is it good for wildlife?
Yes. The RHS suggests it for wildlife gardens, and it gives cover to wildfowl and other pond wildlife.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Pond depth: 5 - 15cm
Light: Full sun or part shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Height and spread: 120cm+ tall, 100cm+ wide
Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.
Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.
Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.
Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.
2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.
At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.
Processing Time:
Orders are processed within 1 - 3 business day after payment confirmation. Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed the next business day.
Shipping Methods:
- Standard Shipping (1-3 days)
- Express Shipping (1-2 days)
Should you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, feel free to contact us.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe for Deals and Discounts