Sweet flag is a deciduous, spreading, marginal aquatic perennial that features iris-like, sword-shaped leaf blades (to 3/4" wide). Mature leaves have one wavy edge and a prominent midrib. It thrives in wet, boggy soils and is commonly grown as a foliage accent in water gardens and pond margins.

Gaura is a clump-forming, vase-shaped, somewhat shrubby perennial. It is best known for its four-petaled, butterfly-like flowers and long bloom period--from spring to early autumn. Pinkish buds along wiry, erect, wand-like stems open to white flowers which slowly fade to pink. Flowers appear in long, open, terminal panicles and open only a few at a time. Narrow, lance-shaped, stemless leaves are occasionally spotted with maroon.