Fiber-optic Plant

Scirpus cernuus (syn. Isolepis cernua), popularly known as the Fiber-optic Plant, is a quirky and charming low-growing sedge native to parts of the UK coast. It forms dense, tufted mounds of very fine, bright green, hair-like stems that arch gracefully downwards. Its name comes from the tiny, silver-white flower spikelets that appear at the tips of the stems in summer, resembling the glowing ends of fiber-optic cables. Reaching only about 20-25cm in height, it is a perfect "edge" plant for the margins of a small pond or a bog garden. It is a tender perennial in the UK (H3), so while it can survive mild winters in the south or in sheltered spots, it may need to be brought indoors or treated as an annual in colder regions. It loves a very sunny spot and consistently wet soil. Its unique texture makes it a great conversational piece in any aquatic collection.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Wet mud or shallow water.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.