Mediterranean hairgrass
Rostraria cristata · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant mediterranean hairgrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring-summer (April to July)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Good (down to -15 °C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and Middle East
Care
Exposure
Rostraria cristata thrives in full sun, which promotes its development and flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will be less vigorous. Install it in a clear, well-ventilated and bright location for best results.
Soil
This grass prefers well-drained soils, even poor or stony ones. It adapts to drought and dreads stagnant moisture. Improve drainage with sand or gravel if your soil is clay or compacted.
Watering
Water moderately during growth and reduce watering in the first year to establish the plant. Once established, Rostraria cristata is very economical and only needs watering during prolonged droughts. Avoid persistent moisture.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back the dry foliage in late winter or early spring before growth resumes (February-March). You can mow the clump down to 5-10 cm from the ground. This operation rejuvenates the plant and encourages new shoots to emerge.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary. This hardy grass tolerates poor soils well. An excess of nitrogen could weaken it and make it less dense.
Diseases and pests
Rostraria cristata is very resistant to pests and fungal diseases thanks to its natural hardiness. Only waterlogging can cause problems by leading to root rot.
Did you know?
Rostraria cristata is called 'cock's comb' because of its characteristic very tightly packed spikelets that form a crest or comb-like silhouette. This small ornamental grass, common in Mediterranean regions, was once used to stabilize arid lands. Its scientific name 'cristata' actually means 'crested'.
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.