Common heathgrass
Danthonia decumbens · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant common heathgrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Persistent, grayish-green
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm tall
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15 °C)
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
- Soil type
- Poor, well-drained, acidic to neutral
Care
Light exposure
Sieglingia decumbens thrives in full sun to part shade. It appreciates open, bright locations but also tolerates partially shaded spots. Avoid overly humid and confined areas.
Soil and drainage
This grass prefers lean, well-drained and slightly acidic soils. It adapts well to poor and rocky terrain. Adding sand or gravel promotes drainage in heavy soil.
Watering
Once established, Sieglingia decumbens is very drought-tolerant. Water regularly in the first year after planting, then moderately during prolonged dry spells. Avoid excess water which promotes rot.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back dry foliage in late winter or early spring, before growth resumes. A pass with a mower or shears is enough to tidy up the clump. This encourages dense, rejuvenated foliage.
Fertilization
Sieglingia decumbens requires no regular feeding, as it thrives in poor soils. A light application of compost in autumn can suffice to gradually enrich the substrate without excess.
Diseases and pests
This grass is very robust and rarely affected by diseases. In very wet, poorly-drained conditions, root rot may occur. Maintain good drainage and sufficient airflow to prevent any issues.
Did you know?
Sieglingia decumbens, also called purple moor-grass or false bentgrass, is a pioneering grass typical of acidic heathlands and lean grasslands throughout Europe. Its Latin name 'decumbens' means 'spreading' due to its tendency to form spreading tufts. Once very common in extensive pastures, it has declined with agricultural intensification, but remains an excellent ecological indicator of poor, little-disturbed habitats.
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.