Arrowhead (Sagittaria australis 'Benni' SILK STOCKINGS)
Sagittaria australis 'Benni' SILK STOCKINGS, or Arrowhead, features variegated maroon foliage and white blooms, ideal for wet and marginal gardens across Zones 5-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS offers dramatic visual interest for aquatic and bog gardens, setting it apart from standard marginal plants. This patented cultivar of the native Arrowhead is highly valued for its striking foliage, which emerges deep maroon-purple before transitioning to lighter gray-purple and green tones throughout the season. As a herbaceous perennial, it brings reliable texture and color to wet areas, thriving where many other garden selections struggle.
Growing to heights between one and three feet, this striking Arrowhead variety is well-suited for pond margins or rain gardens that retain moisture. The plant produces classic three-petaled white flowers from mid-summer into early autumn, contrasting beautifully against the unique leaves of Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS. Its reliable growth habit and low serious disease incidence make it a standout choice for creating dynamic, water-loving displays.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Alismataceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS should occur in spring, ideally placing tubers or runners directly into the mud at the edge of a pond or within containers. This aquatic perennial demands very wet conditions, thriving either along the shoreline or submerged up to 3 to 6 inches deep in the water. While it tolerates part shade, this cultivar needs full sun exposure to achieve its best flowering performance and display its most intense foliage color.
Ongoing care is generally straightforward; the plants spread efficiently via runners, which may necessitate management to keep them contained within their assigned area. Simply remove excess stems and runners as needed to maintain desired boundaries. As a winter hardy plant in Zones 5-10, it performs reliably year after year. No significant fertilization is typically required as the bog or pond environment provides sufficient nutrients for this robust Arrowhead.
Landscape Uses
The primary appeal of Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS lies in its ability to anchor water features. It works perfectly as a marginal Water Plant, providing vertical structure right at the pond’s edge, softening hard lines of retaining walls or container edges. Furthermore, its preference for moisture makes it an excellent candidate for Naturalize areas that remain consistently damp throughout the growing season.
In areas where runoff is a concern, utilizing this Arrowhead in a Rain Garden setting is highly effective. It absorbs excess moisture while offering superior visual appeal compared to many standard bog plants. Consider pairing the dark, variegated foliage of Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS with lighter green or yellow marginal grasses for high contrast near the water’s surface.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sagittaria australis, commonly called long-beaked arrowhead or Appalachian arrowhead, is a herbaceous, submerged or marginal aquatic perennial native to eastern North America. This cultivar, SILK STOCKINGS, is distinguished primarily by its variegated maroon leaves, bracts, and sepals, which unfurl maroon-purple before fading to light gray-purple and green as summer progresses. Flowering occurs from July to September, featuring three-petaled white flowers atop stalks that can reach three feet tall, contrasting handsomely with the arrow-shaped leaves.
Tolerances
- No serious insect or disease problems.
Potential Problems
While disease pressure is low, gardeners should remain watchful for minor infestations by common soft-bodied pests. Specifically, close inspection may reveal the presence of spider mites or aphids on the leaves, particularly during hot, dry spells, although they are rarely significant threats to this aquatic plant. Proactive monitoring allows for timely, targeted treatment if necessary before high populations develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Arrowhead suitable for?
Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS is winter hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 10, offering a wide range of planting possibilities.
How large does Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a height between 1 and 3 feet and spreads between 1 and 2 feet via runners.
When does Arrowhead bloom?
This variety blooms freely from July through September, displaying attractive three-petaled white flowers.
What sun exposure does Arrowhead need?
For optimal flowering and foliage color, Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS prefers full sun, though it can tolerate conditions shifting toward part shade.
Conclusion
Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS offers exceptional year-round interest for water gardeners due to its uniquely patterned maroon foliage and reliable summer blooms. This particular Arrowhead variety excels in boggy environments and marginal areas, providing texture and movement near water features. Before planting, always confirm that your site provides the required wet soil conditions and adequate sunlight to best showcase the patented traits of this beautiful plant.
Companion Planting
When designing a water garden around Sagittaria australis ‘Benni’ SILK STOCKINGS, focus on companions that share its high water demands. Near the shoreline, consider pairing it with taller marsh plants like Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) or Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata). These plants offer different flower shapes and colors while thriving in the saturated soil this Arrowhead requires.
For container groupings, use plants with contrasting leaf shapes, such as Taro (Colocasia) or Canna Lilies, provided they are also kept consistently wet. The dark foliage of the SILK STOCKINGS cultivar blends well with brighter greens and yellows, enhancing the overall tropical, lush feel common in expertly planted water margins.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring: This is the ideal time to plant new tubers or established plants. Ensure the mud or potting medium is saturated immediately after planting. Monitor new growth, as the maroon coloration of the leaves is most vibrant as they unfurl early in the season.
Summer: Maintain consistent high water levels. If plants appear slightly leggy or less vigorously colored, check their sun exposure; maximum light exposure encourages the darkest foliage. Deadhead fading flower stalks for a tidier appearance, and begin managing runners if the spread becomes too aggressive.
Fall/Winter: In colder zones (like Zone 5), the foliage will die back as hard frosts arrive. Allow the foliage to naturally decay on the plant to protect the submerged tubers. In milder zones (Zones 9-10), the plant may remain evergreen with minimal pruning required going into winter.
