Dallis grass
Paspalum dilatatum · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dallis 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 to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (July to October)
- Mature size
- 60 to 120 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast to very fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -8 to -10 °C
- Origin
- Brazil and South America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant, undemanding
Care
Exposure
Plant your Brazilian Panic grass in full sun for optimal growth and a beautiful structure. It also tolerates partial shade, but development will be less vigorous. The more light it receives, the more intense the foliage color will be in autumn.
Watering
Water regularly the first year after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, this grass is very drought tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry periods. In temperate climates, rainfall is usually sufficient.
Soil and preparation
Brazilian Panic grass prefers well-drained, fertile soil, but adapts to a wide variety of soil types. Prepare the area by enriching it with compost or decomposed manure. Avoid areas where water accumulates in winter, which can promote rhizome rot.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back the grass to 10-15 cm from the ground in late winter or early spring before growth resumes. This operation stimulates the appearance of more vigorous new shoots. Light pruning during the season can also be done if the clump slumps.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth. In poor soils, an application of organic fertilizer (compost, worm compost) at the start of the season is sufficient. Avoid excessive nitrogen applications which would encourage disorderly growth.
Diseases and pests
Brazilian Panic grass is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. Above all, avoid stagnant moisture which could cause rhizome rot. In prolonged wet and cold conditions, excellent drainage prevents any fungal problems.
Did you know?
Brazilian Panic grass, though less well-known than other ornamental grasses, has been widely adopted as a forage plant in Australia, where it has naturalized. Its name evokes its broad upright spikes that resemble panicles, characteristic features of grasses in this family.
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.