Thatching grass
Hyparrhenia hirta · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant thatching grass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and upright
- Flowering
- August to October
- Mature size
- 60 to 120 cm in height
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate (down to around −5 °C)
- Origin
- North and South Africa, Mediterranean region
- Soil type
- Well-draining, dry to moderately moist
Care
Sunlight
Install Hyparrhenia hirta in full sun for vigorous growth and compact form. This ornamental grass tolerates very sunny locations and dislikes dense shade. It will appreciate an open position to allow good air circulation.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year of establishment. Once rooted, this grass is very drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Soil
Prefer light, well-draining soil, even gravelly or poor soil. Hyparrhenia hirta thrives well on dry, infertile ground. A moderate amendment at planting time is generally sufficient.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back the clump in late winter or early spring, before new growth, reducing it to 10–15 cm from the ground. This operation rejuvenates the plant and makes it easier to observe emerging young leaves. Wear gloves to protect yourself from the sharp leaves.
Fertilizing
Fertilizer is not essential: this grass is undemanding. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if the plant is growing in very poor soil.
Diseases and pests
Hyparrhenia hirta is generally robust and rarely troubled by disease. Excessive moisture can encourage rot at the base. Ensure good drainage and avoid excessive watering in winter to prevent any fungal problems.
Did you know?
Hyparrhenia hirta, known by the common names 'red grass' or 'fire grass', is particularly valued in Mediterranean regions for its purplish-red coloring that illuminates planting schemes in autumn. In Africa, this hardy grass naturally inhabits semi-arid habitats and plays an important role in stabilizing degraded soils.
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.