Scouring Rush

Equisetum hyemale

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Depth of water: 0-40cm (0-16in)
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Height above surface: 1.2m (4ft)
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A large horsetail that has hollow stems that are furrowed and green with black bands that give it a bamboo-like appearance. The male plant bears a brownish pollen cone at the tip and the female has spikelet-like growths at their tips. Great for providing all-year interest and it contrasts well with broad-leaved bog plants. As it's extremely vigorous, it should not be used in small ponds and the barbed roots may puncture pond liners.
  
  
• Garden care: Contain in an aquatic planting basket lined with hessian. Before planting apply a 2.5cm (1in) top-dressing of pea shingle or gravel to prevent the top layer of the planting medium from clouding the water. Prune out dried and brown stems in spring.

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