Bottlebrush Grass

An unusual and architectural grass that is primarily grown for its highly distinctive flower spikes. These spikes, which appear in mid-summer, consist of widely spaced, horizontal spikelets that look exactly like a bottle brush or a miniature sparkler. The foliage is a simple, broad green, forming an upright clump reaching about 1 metre in height. It is one of the few ornamental grasses that performs well in light to medium shade, making it a valuable addition to woodland gardens or shady borders. It is deciduous and hardy (H5) in the UK. It prefers moist but well-drained soil and will self-seed gently if the conditions are right. The flower heads are excellent for drying and adding to arrangements. In autumn, the plant fades to a quiet straw colour. Cut back the old growth in late winter. Its unique silhouette provides a great talking point in any garden.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.