Bottlebrush Grass

A truly unique and ethereal grass that adds a sense of wildness and architectural intrigue to the garden. It is most notable for its extraordinary flower heads, which resemble spiky, wide-spaced bottlebrushes. These horizontal, bristly spikes emerge pale green in midsummer, slowly aging to a parchment brown as the season progresses. The foliage is relatively modest, consisting of broad, blue-green blades that form upright tufts. This grass is particularly valuable for its ability to grow in dry shade, a common and difficult niche in many UK gardens. It looks most effective when backlit by sunlight or planted among ferns and other woodland perennials. While it may self-seed gently in ideal conditions, it is rarely a nuisance. It is deciduous and should be cut down to the ground in late winter. Its stiff, geometric flower stalks are also highly prized for use in dried floral arrangements and remain standing through much of the autumn.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.