About

A perennial, semi-evergreen grass that forms loose, tufted clumps up to 1m in height with a spread to 50cm. The spikelets are pale green to light brown, around 5–10cm long, and held on wiry stems, giving a feathery texture. It produces dainty, nodding flower spikes from June to September. They have a soft, hairy texture, and remain green for much of the year, though they may turn yellowish in autumn and colder months. The leaves are long, slender, and lime green, measuring up to 30cm long and up to 1cm wide. It has an arching habit with softly drooping stems and a soft, informal appearance.

About the genus

Brachypodium is a genus of plants encompassing species that may be herbaceous, shrubby, or woody. They are grown for their ornamental flowers, foliage, or fruit, and vary in hardiness and cultural requirements

Growing conditions

SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEur., N Afr., Asia

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich soil in light dappled shade. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice
PruningFor more information see our page on how to cut back deciduous grasses
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers using a cold frame in spring. Divide in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free