Overview
Poa alpina is a bushy grass like in the genus Poa, part of the Poaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Poa alpina grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and prairie planting.
About
Poa alpina, commonly known as alpine meadow-grass or alpine bluegrass, is a species of grass with a primarily holarctic distribution. It is noted for being pseudoviviparous: in place of seeds, it sometimes reproduces asexually, creating new plantlets in the spikelets. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and prairie planting. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Cut back late winter.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Poa alpina
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Poa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Poa alpina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Poa alpina
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Rust can be a problem
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Poa alpina?
Poa alpina prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Poa alpina need?
Poa alpina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Poa alpina hardy in the UK?
Poa alpina has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Poa alpina?
Propagate by seed or by division in spring.
More in the Poa genus
- Poa chaixiibroad-leaved meadow grass
- Poa cita
- Poa colensoi
- Poa labillardiereiNew Zealand blue grass
- Poa nemoraliswood meadow grass
- Poa palustrisswamp meadow grass
- Poa pratensissmooth meadow grass
- Poa pratensis 'Borsala'PBR