Grass of Parnassus
Parnassia palustris · Parnassiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant grass of parnassus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Parnassia palustris
- Family
- Parnassiaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Flowering
- July to September
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (−30 °C)
- Natural habitat
- Marshy and peaty zones of Europe and Asia
Care
Watering
Parnassia palustris needs constant soil moisture. Keep the substrate always fresh but never waterlogged. In pots, water regularly during the growing season and reduce slightly in winter. Prefer soft water or rainwater if possible.
Light exposure
Place your parnassia in a bright location with partial sun exposure. It even tolerates partial shade in warm regions. A spot receiving 3 to 5 hours of sunlight daily is ideal for beautiful flowering.
Soil
This plant requires acidic, peaty or marshy soil that is well-draining despite the moisture. Enrich the substrate with blonde peat and sand to replicate its natural conditions. Avoid chalky soils at all costs as they cause the plant to decline rapidly.
Fertilizer
Parnassia has limited nutrient requirements. A moderate application of balanced diluted fertilizer in spring is more than sufficient. Excess fertilizer encourages foliage at the expense of flowers; restraint is better than overfeeding.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms. In late autumn, cut back the aerial parts to ground level after complete withering. Clean away dead leaves to prevent winter rot.
Diseases and pests
Parnassia is generally very hardy. Watch for stagnant excess moisture that promotes root rot and mold. Slugs and snails may damage young leaves; good air circulation helps limit these problems.
Did you know?
Its name 'Parnassia' comes from Mount Parnassus in Greece, the mythical home of the Muses, reflecting the delicate beauty of this small white flower. In the Middle Ages, it appeared in medicinal herbals for its supposed properties, though its use eventually focused on the damp areas where it grows naturally.
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
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- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.