Botanical Name: Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’

Common Name: Golden Sweet Flag

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 5–9

Size: 8–12" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Clump-Forming, Arching Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best Color in Sun)

Soil: Moist to Wet Soils; Adapts to Average Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate to High; Prefers Consistent Moisture

Bloom Season: Insignificant Flowers; Grown for Foliage

Fertilizer: Minimal; Light Feeding in Containers

Features: Bright Golden Foliage, Soft Texture, Shade Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Excellent Moisture Tolerance

Uses: Containers, Borders, Edging, Rain Gardens, Pond Margins, Shade Gardens

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Permitted

More About Acorus ‘Ogon’

Acorus ‘Ogon’ is prized for its luminous golden foliage and graceful, grass-like form that instantly brightens garden spaces. The narrow, arching leaves create a soft, flowing texture that contrasts beautifully with bold-leafed plants and upright architectural forms.

This variety excels in consistently moist soils and is especially well-suited for rain gardens, water features, and low areas of the landscape. ‘Ogon’ also performs beautifully in partial shade, unlike many Oramental Grasses. The compact, clump-forming habit stays tidy and controlled, making it easy to use in containers, edging, and mixed plantings.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

We love Acorus ‘Ogon’ because it is reliable and easy to manage. The grass establishes quickly, maintais strong color without scorching, and showed excellent tolerance to fluctuating moisture levels. Even in heat and humidity, the foliage remained clean and attractive with minimal dieback.

We especially like it for gardeners who want consistent color and texture without constant maintenance. ‘Ogon’ works effortlessly as a filler or edging plant, pairs beautifully with flowering perennials and modern designs, and delivers season-long visual appeal in both sun and part shade with very little upkeep.

Acorus Ogon vs. Other Grasses

Acorus ‘Ogon’ is a golden sweet flag valued for its bright chartreuse foliage and moisture tolerance. Compared to Juncus grasses, Ogon spreads more and feels softer in form. It contrasts with Prince Tut™ by staying shorter and more ground-covering. Against Pink Muhly and Pennisetum varieties, Ogon offers foliage brightness rather than seasonal flowers or plumes.

Ogon also differs from Carex ‘Red Rooster’, trading dark tones for luminous gold. Compared to Blue Dart, it tolerates wetter soils and shady conditions more reliably. It pairs beautifully with rigid grasses like Blue Arrow for contrast. Acorus ‘Ogon’ fills an essential niche as your best grass for wet areas, shade, and brightening darker spaces.