About
Ampelodesmos mauritanicus is a robust, clump-forming evergreen grass that creates dense tufts of resilient, leathery foliage, typically reaching dimensions of around 1 meter in height and width. During late spring and early summer, this species produces arching stems that can extend up to 2 meters tall, adorned with feathery flowerheads in white, cream, or purple that droop gracefully to one side and sway lightly with the wind.
About the genus
Ampelodesmos comprises substantial evergreen grasses characterized by elongated, narrow leaves and elevated, asymmetrical flower spikes that emerge in late spring and continue through summer.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- Native to
- Mediterranean
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Divide every few years to maintain vigour. See ornamental grasses cultivation
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage and old flower stems in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in late winter to early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free