Overview
Glyceria maxima is a suckering aquatic in the genus Glyceria, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Glyceria maxima grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe to China (Xinjiang).
About
Glyceria maxima is a robust, aquatic perennial grass that can reach heights of up to 1 meter and has the ability to spread extensively through its rhizomes. Its leaves are narrow and strap-like, displaying a dark green hue with a hint of pink in spring. In late summer, it produces flowering panicles that exhibit a purplish-green coloration.
About the genus
Glyceria consists of robust, spreading perennial grasses that thrive in moist or aquatic environments. These rhizomatous plants feature narrow, strap-like leaves and produce flowering panicles that may display green or purple hues in late summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Glyceria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Glyceria maxima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Grass Like, Bogs
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe to China (Xinjiang)
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Glyceria maxima
- Cultivation
- Grow in any reliably moist, fertile soil or in water up to 15cm deep, in full sun. Divide every few years to prevent congestion; has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See aquatic weeds, pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- Leaves can be cut back when they die off in late autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Glyceria maxima?
Grow in any reliably moist, fertile soil or in water up to 15cm deep, in full sun. Divide every few years to prevent congestion; has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See aquatic weeds, pond plants and bog gardens for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Glyceria maxima?
Glyceria maxima prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Glyceria maxima need?
Glyceria maxima is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Glyceria maxima?
Leaves can be cut back when they die off in late autumn.
How big does Glyceria maxima grow?
Glyceria maxima reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Glyceria maxima hardy in the UK?
Glyceria maxima has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Glyceria maxima?
Propagate by division in spring.