Eriophorum angustifolium
common cottongrass
Slender, grass-like leaves, each with a sharp-pointed tip, forms a spreading clump, which in summer is topped with fluffy-looking, pendent spikelets. An attractive, moisture-loving perennial, Eriophorum angustifolium will often retain most of its leaves throughout the winter, so has year-round appeal.
How to care for Eriophorum angustifolium:
Plant in reliably moist, acidic soil in full sun to partial shade, or grow as a shallow water marginal in an aquatic basket filled with quality aquatic compost. Space clumps about 30-45cm (12-18in) apart if planting directly into the ground. Water well after planting and keep the soil consistently damp, as the plant naturally grows in boggy areas.
Each spring, while wearing gloves, gently comb through the foliage to remove old leaves and keep the plant tidy. Divide congested clumps in spring to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding. Little feeding is needed, but a top-dressing of ericaceous compost in spring (for bog garden plantings) will help maintain vigour.
Each spring, while wearing gloves, gently comb through the foliage to remove old leaves and keep the plant tidy. Divide congested clumps in spring to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding. Little feeding is needed, but a top-dressing of ericaceous compost in spring (for bog garden plantings) will help maintain vigour.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Heavy clay / Reliably damp or boggy
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This pond plant is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its foliage in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose it all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
3 × 9cm pots
£27.99
£9.33 each
available to order from summer
Unavailable
1 litre aquatic pot
£21.99
available to order from summer
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3 × 1 litre aquatic pots
£39.99
£13.33 each
available to order from summer
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