About

This deciduous perennial grass forming a dense clump of rough, dark green, linear leaves, with large arching panicles of grey-green spikelets in summer.

About the genus

Eragrostis can be annual or perennial grasses with linear leaves and dense branched flowering panicles in summer and autumn

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toS&Tropical Africa

Care notes

CultivationGrow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in a warm, sunny site. In colder areas may need some winter protection
PruningCut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free