About
A deciduous perennial grass forming a loose clump of linear leaves, with loose, light green, bottlebrush-like flower spikes in early autumn.
About the genus
Hystrix are tall, deciduous perennial grasses with broadly linear leaves and erect stems bearing very long-awned flowering spikes in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in a moisture retentive but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Good for moist woodland edges
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free