Uruguayan needlegrass
Nassella neesiana · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant uruguayan needlegrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- English name
- Neesiana Needlegrass, Silver Hair Grass
- Family
- Poaceae (Grasses)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and silvery
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (July-October)
- Mature size
- 24-32 inches tall, 18-24 inches spread
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -15°C (5°F)
- Origin
- South America (Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil)
Care
Sunlight
Plant this grass in full sun to optimize its silvery tint and vigor. It tolerates bright locations but fears dense shade, which weakens its development. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily guarantees the best performance.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to promote deep root establishment. Once established, Nassella neesiana is very drought-tolerant thanks to its fibrous root system. In temperate climates, natural rainfall is sufficient; reduce watering in winter.
Soil
Prefer well-draining soil, even poor or sandy. This grass dreads waterlogging and overly compact soils. Loosen the ground before planting and avoid overly rich amendments that encourage loose foliage.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back the clump in late winter (February-March) to 4-6 inches from the ground to rejuvenate the foliage. You can also remove faded flower spikes in autumn if you prefer a more compact shape. Wear gloves: the fine but sharp leaves can irritate skin.
Fertilizing
A moderate application of compost or well-rotted manure in spring is sufficient. Avoid generous nitrogen fertilizers that destabilize the plant and reduce its drought tolerance. This grass is frugal and adapts to poor soils.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy and resistant, it rarely suffers from diseases. Major problems stem from excess moisture (root rot) or insufficient light. Avoid excessive watering and ensure good air circulation.
Did you know?
Nassella neesiana is called 'silver hair grass' because of its delicate, feathery flower spikes that wave at the slightest breeze. Native to South American pampas, this grass was long used by Mediterranean and Californian landscape gardeners to create light, flowing compositions, bringing a sense of space and fluidity to planting beds.
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.