Mat grass
Nardus stricta · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant mat grass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (Grasses)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and rigid
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 20 to 50 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20°C and below)
- Origin
- Mountains of western and central Europe
- Soil type
- Acidic, poor, well-drained
Care
Exposure
Mat-grass thrives in full sun or partial shade. It prefers bright, airy locations, particularly in mountainous areas or windswept zones. In overly shaded terrain, its growth slows considerably.
Soil and planting
Plant mat-grass in acidic, poor, and well-drained soil. This grass adapts to difficult, rocky, or podzolic terrain where few plants flourish. It dislikes stagnant moisture and chalky soils.
Watering
Once established, mat-grass requires little watering thanks to its efficient root system. During prolonged drought, moderate supplemental watering can support growth. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Trimming and cutting
No strict pruning is necessary. You can cut back the clump in late winter or early spring to remove dried foliage. This promotes new leaf growth and maintains a compact shape.
Fertilizing
Mat-grass barely needs fertilizer, as it naturally accommodates poor soils. A light application of well-decomposed compost in spring is sufficient if the soil is very depleted.
Pests and diseases
Mat-grass is very robust and rarely affected by diseases or pests. Its hardiness and adaptation to harsh environments make it a low-maintenance plant. Good drainage prevents potential root rot.
Did you know?
Mat-grass is an emblematic pioneer species of acidic European heathlands and pastures, where its structural rigidity earns it the nickname 'iron grass'. Historically, it dominated overgrazed meadows and remains an ecological indicator of acidic, infertile soils. Its scientific name, Nardus stricta, literally means 'rigid nard', referring to its hard, thread-like leaves that withstand the harshest conditions.
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.