Overview
Isolepis cernua is a tufted bogs in the genus Isolepis, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Isolepis cernua grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, architectural, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Temp. to Andes.
About
Isolepis cernua is a versatile evergreen herbaceous plant that can be classified as either an annual or a perennial, reaching heights of 15 to 30 centimeters. It features slender, thread-like leaves that create a fine texture. From mid to late summer, it produces small flower heads that lack petals and are silvery-white in appearance, giving way to brown-red seed heads as they mature.
About the genus
Isolepis comprises low-growing annual or perennial herbs characterized by slender, grass-like foliage and clusters of flowers that lack petals.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Isolepis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Isolepis cernua size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Temp. to Andes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Isolepis cernua
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun or light shade as a marginal pond plant in 2-8cm of water, in damp or wet soil in a bog garden, or in a very well-watered container
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division from mid-spring to early summer; see pond plant propagation
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Isolepis cernua?
Grow in full sun or light shade as a marginal pond plant in 2-8cm of water, in damp or wet soil in a bog garden, or in a very well-watered container.
Where is the best place to plant Isolepis cernua?
Isolepis cernua prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Isolepis cernua need?
Isolepis cernua is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Isolepis cernua?
No pruning required.
How big does Isolepis cernua grow?
Isolepis cernua reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Isolepis cernua hardy in the UK?
Isolepis cernua has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Isolepis cernua?
Propagate by seed or by division from mid-spring to early summer; see pond plant propagation.