Equisetum camtschatcense (Horse Tail)

A mass of perpendicular green-ness to 3 or 4 ft. Primitive, stylish and a bit rampant. We’re quite well known for encouraging people to grow plants in the ground rather than in pots. “Plants grow in the ground” we say, rather knowingly. However, in the case of Equisetum, we rapidly engage reverse gear. Unless you have a very large garden and enjoy the sight of Equisetum devouring your entire garden, grow this in troughs and pots. That way, it can’t get away. Both stylish and sensible.

As the name would suggest, it comes from Kamchatka in eastern Siberia. It likes moisture, lots of light and it needs cutting down once it’s collapsed in early winter.

The sheer perfection of this plant is important. Remove any shoots that are bent, brown or yellow and if in a trough (as suggested), even try using your shears to give the whole caboodle a flat top.

Propagated by us by division.

Hardiness level Green

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IF IT HAS A GREEN TRAFFIC LIGHT

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Hardy anywhere in Britain below approximately 1000ft (300m)

This is only meant as a guide. Please remember we're always on hand to give advice about plants and their frost hardiness.

Please remember that these coloured labels are only a rough guide.

General Point about Plant Hardiness: The commonly held belief that it's better to 'plant small' is perfectly true with herbaceous plants, but not necessarily true with woody plants. They need some 'wood' on them to survive severe cold - so plants of marginal hardiness in very cold areas should really be planted LARGER, rather than smaller, wherever possible.