About
A low-growing, annual or occasionally perennial coarse grass, with light green leaf blades growing horizontally from a central point, and shallow, fibrous roots. It colonises bare ground and produces pale, pyramid-shaped sprays of flowers, seeding at any time of year, after which the plant usually dies.
About the genus
Poa can be annual or perennial grasses forming clumps of linear leaves and open flowering panicles in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in moist conditions on any soil that isn't too acidic. In lawns, lightly raking before mowing will lift the stems for cutting. See advice on coarse grasses in lawns for more detail
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, produced prolifically throughout the growing season. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for at least four years
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free