Overview
Spartina 'Dafken' is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial bogs in the genus Spartina, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spartina 'Dafken' 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 'Dafken' is a cultivar of the Spartina genus, which consists of perennial grasses that spread through rhizomes and are deciduous. This spreading, rhizomatous perennial thrives in full sun on south-facing, exposed sites with wet, neutral loam soil. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is particularly suited to coastal areas, salt marshes, and wetland restoration. The plant is of interest during spring, summer, and autumn, reflecting the seasonal appeal of its foliage and growth habit.
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
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 'Dafken' 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 'Dafken'
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Spartina 'Dafken'?
Spartina 'Dafken' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Spartina 'Dafken' need?
Spartina 'Dafken' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays wet.
Is Spartina 'Dafken' hardy in the UK?
Spartina 'Dafken' 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 'Dafken'?
Division, seed.
More in the Spartina genus
- Spartina alterniflorasmooth cord grass
- Spartina michauxianaprairie cordgrass
- Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata'Prairie Cordgrass 'Aureo-marginata'