Overview
Eleusine coracana is a plant with a prostrate habit in the genus Eleusine, part of the Poaceae family, with green foliage. Eleusine coracana grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ground cover and lawn alternative.
About
Eleusine coracana, commonly known as finger millet, is a prostrate cultivar of the Eleusine genus in the Poaceae family. This green-foliaged plant thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. It prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and is hardy to UK zone H4. Suitable as a ground cover or lawn alternative, it is best cultivated from seed and is of interest during the spring and summer seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eleusine
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Eleusine coracana size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Prostrate
- Foliage
- Green
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, lawn alternative
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eleusine coracana
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Eleusine coracana?
Eleusine coracana prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Eleusine coracana need?
Eleusine coracana grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Eleusine coracana hardy in the UK?
Eleusine coracana has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Eleusine coracana?
Seed.