Poa chaixii
Poa chaixii · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant poa chaixii: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Mature size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Flowering
- June to August, purplish spikelets
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20 °C and beyond)
- Origin
- Mountains of central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, neutral to acidic, poor soils
Care
Exposure
Mountain bluegrass prefers sunny to semi-shaded locations. In mountainous areas, it tolerates direct sun exposure well. Sufficient light promotes a dense tuft and better foliage coloration.
Soil
This grass enjoys well-drained, light and infertile soils, like those found in alpine meadows. Avoid overly wet or compacted soils. Poor, gravelly potting soil works perfectly and limits excessive spread.
Watering
Once established, mountain bluegrass is undemanding and tolerates dry periods well. Water regularly during the first year to promote rooting. In mountain gardens or cool climates, natural rainfall is generally sufficient.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove faded flower spikes after flowering to maintain ornamental appeal. In late winter, gently rake the tuft to remove dead leaves without damaging the plant's center. This grass doesn't require harsh pruning.
Fertiliser
No fertiliser is necessary, and may even be inadvisable. This bluegrass thrives in poor soils; excessive nitrogen would promote overly vigorous growth and weaken its structure.
Diseases and pests
Very robust, mountain bluegrass rarely suffers from diseases if drainage conditions are good. In overly wet soil, damping off or root rot may occasionally occur. Ensure good air circulation around the tuft.
Did you know?
Mountain bluegrass is an ancestral grass of alpine meadows, where it forms natural herbaceous carpets that have served as pastures for livestock for millennia. Its name 'chaixii' honours French botanist Dominique Chaix (1730-1799), who explored the Alps. Particularly resistant to cold and altitude, this species remains a preferred choice for mountain rock gardens and gardens in harsh climates.
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.