Overview
Spartina alterniflora is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial bogs in the genus Spartina, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spartina alterniflora grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include coastal areas, salt marshes and wetland restoration.
About
Spartina alterniflora is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial grass adapted to coastal and wetland situations. It has a deciduous foliage habit and establishes in wet, loamy soils on exposed, south‑facing sites. It requires full sun and flowers from July to September. Allow room for its rhizomes, which drive lateral spread and substrate binding.
About the genus
Spartina is a section of the genus Sporobolus, plants in the grass family, frequently found in coastal salt marshes. It was first established as a separate genus in 1789, and reduced to a section in 2014. Species are commonly known as cordgrass or cord-grass, and are native to the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean in western and southern Europe, north-western and southern Africa, the Americas and the islands of the southern Atlantic Ocean; one or two species also occur on the western coast of North America and in freshwater habitats inland in the Americas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Spartina", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spartina
In the garden
Spartina alterniflora is a rhizomatous perennial grass associated with coastal salt‑marsh and wetland plantings. In the UK it is best regarded as a specialist for wet loam along exposed, south‑facing margins where full sun is reliable. The foliage is deciduous and the flowering season runs July to September. Plant into consistently wet, neutral loam and position on an exposed, south‑facing aspect to meet its light and moisture preferences. The species carries a UK hardiness rating of H6, which translates to very hardy in British gardens; it tolerates outdoor winter conditions typical of coastal and lowland sites. Avoid shaded positions, as open exposure is a key cultural requirement. Where space allows, Spartina alterniflora is appropriate for coastal planting schemes, salt‑marsh edge repair and wetland restoration or large pond margins. Its spreading, rhizomatous habit helps stabilise soft, waterlogged ground but also means it can occupy ground quickly, so plan planting areas accordingly. For restoration work its tendency to form a connected sward makes it valuable for substrate binding and erosion control.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spartina
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Spartina alterniflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Grass Like
- Habit
- Spreading, rhizomatous perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal areas, salt marshes, wetland restoration
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spartina alterniflora
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Spartina alterniflora?
Spartina alterniflora prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Spartina alterniflora need?
Spartina alterniflora grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays wet.
Is Spartina alterniflora hardy in the UK?
Spartina alterniflora has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Spartina alterniflora?
Division, seed.
More in the Spartina genus
- Spartina michauxianaprairie cordgrass
- Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata'Prairie Cordgrass 'Aureo-marginata'
- Spartina 'Dafken'