About
Densely tufted grass to 1.5m tall, with long rhizomes, forming loose, spreading clumps of arching, pale, blue-grey leaves about 60cm long. Produces stiff, upright stems bearing spike-like racemes 35cm long of blue-grey then buff spikelets throughout summer.
About the genus
A genus of drought and salt-tolerant perennial grasses, found in Europe, Asia and the Americas, with long foliage in shades of silvery green, blue and grey
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Prairie planting
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Suited to coastal areas for stabilising sand dunes. Spread is indefinite so may be difficult to contain, so not suited to small gardens. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningCut down dead growth in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division from mid spring to early autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free