Typha latifolia - Bulrush, Greater Reedmace, Native Pond Marginal Plant

Typha latifolia, known as bulrush or greater reedmace, is the tall UK native with long grey-green leaves and velvety, dark brown bulrush heads in summer. The heads last into winter, then break up into fluffy seed.

Bulrush at a glance

Is bulrush suitable for a garden pond?

Yes, with care. It is vigorous: the RHS warns that its sharp roots may puncture pond liners, that it can spread more than 8 m and that it can become a nuisance in shallow water. In a lined pond, always grow it in a strong aquatic basket. For a small pond, the miniature bulrush, Typha minima, is a better choice.

Where to plant it

• Wildlife ponds and lakes with clay or earth banks
• Lined garden ponds, in a strong aquatic basket
• Reedbed and wetland schemes

How to control it

Remove the seed heads before they shed, especially any that fall into the water, to stop new seedlings. Wind-blown seed can colonise nearby ponds.

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.