Overview
Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' is a grass in the genus Spartina, part of the Q43238 family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, erosion control and wetland restoration. It is native to North America.
About
Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' is a tall prairie cordgrass reaching about 1.8 m, suited to moist or seasonally wet ground. It prefers full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils that remain damp. Flowering occurs from July to September, after which the seedheads can be left for winter structure.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sporobolus michauxianus
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
A tall prairie cordgrass native to North America, Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' reaches roughly 1.8 m and occupies damp ground where many other grasses struggle. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and also aligns with USDA zones 4–8, so it withstands a wide range of temperate conditions. Plant in full sun on sandy, loamy or clay soils that are moist but can also tolerate persistently wet conditions; avoid shaded sites if you want the best flowering display. Use soils that drain enough to prevent standing water for long periods unless you are deliberately planting at a pond edge or in a marshy reedbed. Its cultural needs make it a practical choice for swales, pond margins and reedbed planting where erosion control and wetland restoration are priorities. As an ornamental, position it at the back of a tall border or along water margins so its height contributes to structure. It flowers from July to September, and leaving the flowering stems in place into winter provides architectural interest and seedheads for wildlife in damp parts of the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spartina
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental grass, Erosion control, Wetland restoration
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist to wet soils, tolerates full sun, suitable for naturalized areas and water margins
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
- Propagation
- Division in spring or by seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata'?
Prefers moist to wet soils, tolerates full sun, suitable for naturalized areas and water margins.
Where is the best place to plant Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata'?
Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' prefers full sun.
What soil does Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' need?
Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata'?
Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
How big does Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' grow?
Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' hardy in the UK?
Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Spartina pectinata 'Aureo-marginata'?
Division in spring or by seed.
