Small carpgrass
Arthraxon hispidus · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant small carpgrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Type
- Annual herbaceous grass
- Adult size
- 20 to 50 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous, medium green to reddish
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (July to October)
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, annual plant
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical Asia
Care
Light
Arthraxon hispidus thrives in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates bright, sunny areas well. Sufficient light promotes vigorous growth and colorful foliage.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during the active growing period. This grass prefers cool environments without being waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter or at the end of the season if grown as an annual.
Soil
Choose well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adding organic matter (compost) improves soil structure and water retention. Avoid overly compacted or poorly aerated soils.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring-summer) every 3 to 4 weeks. A nitrogen-rich formula supports foliage development. Reduce or stop fertilizing in autumn.
Pruning and cutting
As an annual grass, it requires no regular pruning. Remove dried stems at the end of the season or in spring to encourage renewal. You can cut back lightly to maintain a compact shape.
Diseases and pests
Generally hardy against pests. In overly humid conditions, watch for root rot or fungal diseases. Good air circulation and moderate watering minimize these risks.
Did you know?
Arthraxon hispidus, also known as 'Walters's millet' or 'hairy joint grass', is a tropical Asian grass highly valued for its finely serrated foliage often tinged with red depending on growing conditions. It has naturalized in several temperate regions and makes an excellent ornamental choice for botanical gardens, particularly because of its delicate flower heads that appear in late summer.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.