Overview
Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius is a grass in the genus Elymus, part of the Poaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to North America.
About the genus
Elymus is a genus of perennial plants with approximately 150 species in the grass family, related to rye, wheat, and other widely grown cereal grains.
Wikipedia contributors, "Elymus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Elymus (plant)
In the garden
Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius belongs to the ryegrass group and originates from North America. As a grass reaching roughly 0.8 m it contributes upright structure without becoming dominant. In UK conditions it flowers from June to August, offering a defined summer presence. Place plants in full sun on soils ranging from sandy to heavy clay, provided they remain moist but well-drained. Improve very free-draining sand with a little organic matter to help retain moisture; on heavy soils add grit or coarse sand to aid drainage at the planting hole. The UK hardiness rating H7 equates to fully hardy outdoors, and the USDA band 3–7 indicates tolerance of a wide continental range, so plants will survive typical British winters in open sites. Use Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius at the back of a sunny border, in naturalistic grass mixes or as a structural element in a prairie-style scheme where full sun and reliably moist, well-drained soil are available. Allow its 0.8 m height when positioning to protect smaller perennials from shade.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Elymus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Native to
- North America
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius?
Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius prefers full sun.
What soil does Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius need?
Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius grow?
Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius hardy in the UK?
Elymus canadensis var. glaucifolius has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
