Overview
Cenchrus echinatus is a plant with a clump-forming, bushy habit in the genus Cenchrus, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Cenchrus echinatus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and cut flowers.
About
Cenchrus echinatus, commonly known as spiny sandbur, is a clump-forming, bushy grass from the Poaceae family. It features deciduous to evergreen foliage and thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered sites. Suitable for well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils across a range of pH levels, it is hardy to UK zone H3. This cultivar is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and beds, and can also be used for cut flowers. It is best planted in spring with watering during establishment and can be propagated by seed sown in a warm glasshouse or by division.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cenchrus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Cenchrus echinatus size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cenchrus echinatus
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cenchrus echinatus?
Cenchrus echinatus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cenchrus echinatus need?
Cenchrus echinatus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cenchrus echinatus hardy in the UK?
Cenchrus echinatus has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Cenchrus echinatus?
Seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Cenchrus genus
- Pennisetum 'Fairy Tails'
- Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails'Oriental Fountain Grass
- Pennisetum alop. 'Karley Rose'
- Pennisetum villosa