Dog couch
Elymus caninus · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dog couch: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, blue-green
- Flowering
- June to July
- Adult size
- 0.60 to 1.00 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and steppe zones
- Soil type
- All types, including poor and rocky
Care
Watering
Crested Dogstail grass is very tolerant of drought once established. Water moderately in the first year to encourage rooting. After that, natural rainfall is usually sufficient, except in extremely arid conditions.
Exposure
Install this ornamental grass in full sun or partial shade. It appreciates at least 4 hours of daily sunlight for dense foliage and beautiful blue coloration.
Pruning
Cut dry and dead stems to ground level in late winter or early spring, before growth resumes. This grass requires no specific maintenance beyond this annual cleanup.
Soil
Crested Dogstail grass adapts to all soil types: sandy, chalky, poor, or rocky. It even tolerates compacted and well-drained soils. No soil amendment is necessary for growing it.
Fertilizer
Undemanding, this grass requires no regular fertilizer applications. In very poor soil, a modest spring application of balanced fertilizer can support growth, but it's not essential.
Diseases and Pests
This hardy grass is little susceptible to diseases and pests. Problems mainly occur with very wet winter soil or completely lacking drainage. Ensure good air circulation to prevent rot.
Did you know?
Crested Dogstail grass owes its curious common name to its ancient use: farmers called it this because the herb was reputed to be useful to dogs and other animals to aid digestion, particularly in cases of intestinal problems. Botanical and rustic, this ornamental grass has become popular in contemporary gardens for its airy structure and elegant blue-gray tones.
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.