Equisetum hyemale (Rough Horsetail)

Equisetum hyemale (Rough Horsetail) is a very ancient native plant, once used as pan scourers since the tubular leaves have silicaceous ridges. Another synonym is Dutch rush, since they were largely imported from Holland in the nineteenth century for this purpose. It is evergreen, with black banded leaves, giving a very architectural effect. Cut back old dead canes in late Spring once the new canes have reached 5-10cm high. It is not as horrendously spreading as its terrestrial counterpart and can be controlled by pulling unwanted canes. You’ll get the best effect from multiple plants in a large basket. It’s a plant which does best in moist soil above water level rather than in the pond itself, though it does tolerate submersion when in growth.

These plants are always fragile and usually tall too, so potted ones will be expensive due to extra packaging cost.