Lesser Bulrush (Typha angustifolia)
| Size | 1 Ltr, 1 Ltr – Pack of 3, 9cm – Pack of 3, 3 Ltr, 5 Ltr |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Marginal |
| Sun / Shade | Full Sun |
| Flower Colour | Brown |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Native to UK | Yes |
| Plant group |
A tall, fast growing marginal plant ideal for lakes and large ponds, providing wildlife habitat and natural structure with iconic brown flower spikes.
Price range: £14.00 through £45.50 (inc VAT)
Lesser Bulrush | Typha angustifolia
Tall, wildlife friendly reed for lakes, wetlands, and large natural pond projects
Lesser Bulrush, scientifically known as Typha angustifolia, is a strong, fast growing marginal pond plant that is best suited to large scale water features such as lakes, wetlands, and natural landscaping projects. With its tall, upright green foliage and distinctive brown cylindrical flower spikes, this plant brings a bold, natural look to any expansive aquatic environment.
Flowering from July through to September, Lesser Bulrush produces its iconic cigar shaped seed heads that stand above the foliage and add both visual interest and seasonal texture. These seed heads are not only attractive but also play an important ecological role, providing nesting material and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
This plant is particularly valued for its ability to support wildlife habitats. Its dense growth creates ideal cover for wildfowl, amphibians, and insects, while its extensive root system helps stabilise soil and reduce erosion along pond edges and wetland banks. For anyone looking to create a natural, biodiverse environment, Typha angustifolia is an excellent choice.
However, due to its vigorous spreading habit, this plant is not suitable for small garden ponds. It spreads through strong rhizomes and can quickly dominate confined spaces. Instead, it should be used in larger bodies of water where it has room to establish naturally without overwhelming other plants.
Lesser Bulrush thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently wet soil or shallow water up to around 30 cm deep. It is extremely hardy in the UK, tolerating very low temperatures and returning year after year with minimal care.
For large ponds, lakes, and rewilding projects, this is a highly effective and reliable plant that delivers both visual impact and ecological benefits. With proper management, it can form an essential part of a thriving aquatic ecosystem.
🇬🇧 UK-grown aquatic plant: Grown at a dedicated aquatic plant nursery in the South of England and carefully prepared for delivery across the UK.
Key Benefits
- Provides excellent habitat for birds and wildlife
- Strong root system helps prevent erosion
- Iconic brown flower spikes add natural interest
- Ideal for lakes and large ponds
- Extremely hardy and reliable
- Supports biodiversity and natural ecosystems
Reasons to Buy
- Perfect for large scale pond and lake planting
- Creates natural, wildlife friendly environments
- Fast growing and highly effective coverage
- Low maintenance once established
- Ideal for rewilding and ecological projects
Care Instructions
- Plant in shallow water or consistently wet soil at a depth of 1 cm to 30 cm.
- Position in full sun for best growth, though partial shade is tolerated.
- Allow plenty of space for the plant to spread naturally.
- Cut back dead foliage and flower spikes in autumn to maintain appearance.
- Divide clumps every few years to control growth if required.
- Monitor spread carefully, particularly in managed environments.
- Not suitable for small ponds due to vigorous growth.
Flowering Period
July to September
Size and Growing Conditions
Botanical Name: Typha angustifolia
Common Name: Lesser Bulrush
Plant Type: Marginal
Flower Colour: Brown
Height: 90cm to 150cm
Spread: 2.5 m to 4 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Planting Depth: 1cm to 30cm
Position: Full sun
Soil: Moist to wet, suitable for large ponds, lakes, and wetlands
Native to the UK: Yes
Dispatching Your Pond Plants
Your Lesser Bulrush will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.
Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.
To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.
Available basket sizes:
- Pack of 3 × 9cm Pots
- 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
- Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square
- 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm
- 5 Litre Square Basket – 24 × 24 × 14cm
Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.
Plants supplied in 9cm pots require potting into suitable aquatic baskets before being placed in the pond.
Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.
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