About
Aira caryophyllea is an annual grass indigenous to the British Isles, creating compact clumps that can reach heights of up to 30 cm. Its leaves are thin and thread-like, contributing to its delicate appearance. From late spring to mid-summer, it produces loose clusters of silvery spikelets, which may occasionally have a hint of purple.
About the genus
Aira consists of either annual or biennial tufted grasses characterized by slender, thread-like leaves and loose clusters of small flowers that appear in shades of silver or purple during the summer months.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, Asia, Africa
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Found on dry, sandy or rocky ground, even growing on walls. It will thrive in poor, well-drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- Cut back old growth in early spring to keep tidy
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free