Barbwire grass
Cymbopogon refractus · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant barbwire grass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Indian lemongrass, Lemongrass
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Evergreen to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- Late summer to autumn (upright, whitish spikes)
- Mature size
- 1.5 to 2 m in height
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, tropical to subtropical climate
- Origin
- India and tropical zones of South Asia
Care
Exposure and climate
This grass demands full sun exposure to thrive fully. It flourishes in warm, subtropical to tropical climates; in temperate regions, prefer growing it in a pot that you'll bring indoors at the first frost (below 10°C). It doesn't tolerate harsh winters well and recovers poorly from freezing.
Watering and humidity
Water regularly during growth, keeping the soil moist but without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter, especially if the plant is dormant in temperate regions. Good substrate drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Soil type
Cymbopogon refractus prefers fertile, light and well-drained soil. Enrich with compost or potting soil before planting. In containers, use a grass mix or universal substrate improved with coarse sand or perlite to promote aeration.
Pruning and cutting
Prune lightly in spring to remove dead or damaged growth and maintain a compact shape. Cut yellowed or rusty leaves at the base to rejuvenate the clump. In late autumn, before frost, cut back moderately if you're growing it in a pot.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK) every 3 to 4 weeks in spring and summer, during the active growing season. Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter. Excess nitrogen can weaken the plant against disease.
Pests and diseases
Generally robust, Cymbopogon refractus can suffer from root rot if exposed to prolonged excessive moisture. Watch for spider mites and scale insects indoors or under glass. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Cymbopogon refractus is a cousin of the famous lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). Its leaves release a powerful lemony aroma that has historically attracted the interest of Indian botanists and herbalists. In South Asia, this grass has long been valued for traditional uses in Ayurvedic medicine and in local cuisine.
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.