Butomus umbellatus

Butomus umbellatus, the flowering rush, is a perennial aquatic plant,  liking shallow water.  The clumps of stiff, linear, deciduous stems are accompanied by umbels of fragrant white to pink or light red flowers.  It is an ideal perennial for heavy, wet or marshy soil,  at the edge of water.  It brings a touch of beauty to aquatic scenes in summer.

The flowering rush is a species of perennial herbaceous aquatic plants in the family Butomaceae. It is found on river banks, in wet places, reed beds, river banks and ditches in temperate zones of Europe and Asia. Reaching a height of 100 to 120 cm (39 to 47in), with a spread of 60 cm (24in), this rush has a habit of clumps of stiff, medium green, bronze stems when young. In summer, the tall floral stems display fragrant umbels, about 10 cm (4in) wide, composed of around thirty pink corollas with a stigma and nine carmine stamens. They are sometimes partially hidden by the foliage. The narrow and twisted deciduous leaves are very sharp and angular. The plant spreads by rhizomes producing small tubers in summer.

Butomus umbellatus requires rich soil and a sunny position. If it is happy, it can quickly form a beautiful clump. This plant is hardy, tolerating temperatures below -15°C (5°F), it only dislikes extreme frosts and can be  immersed in water to a depth up to -20 cm (1in). It is entirely possible to grow it in a pot.

The flowering rush is protected in several regions of France, including Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It is also protected in Algeria. This plant is considered an invasive species in North America where it was introduced in 1897.