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Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire fog)

Other names: Duffel grass, Hose grass, Meadow soft grass, Midge grass, Rot grass, Soft grass, Velvet grass, Avena lanata, Avena pallida, Ginannia lanata, Ginannia pubescens, Nothoholcus lanatus, Notholcus lanatus

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Species
H. lanatus is an evergreen to semi-evergreen, perennial grass forming a dense, erect clump of softly hairy stems bearing flat, broadly linear, grey-green leaves. Slender, reddish-purple flower spikelets in summer are followed by pink-flushed, silvery-grey seed heads.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
1 m 0.8 m 2-5 years
3 ft 2 ft 2-5 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Clay
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
  • South
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Grow in poor or moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Will not tolerate full sun in poor, dry soil. Self-seeds readily and may become invasive. Classified as a noxious, invasive species in many introduced areas. Will grow at elevations up to 2,300m (7,500').

Suggested uses

Prairie planting, Meadow, Wildflower, Wildlife, Bees (attract & feed bees)

UK hardiness

H7

USDA zones

Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Erect

Native to

Europe, Great Britain, Northwestern Africa

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Deadhead after flowering to prevent self-seeding. Cut back lightly after flowering.

Propagation methods

Seed, Division

Propagation

Self-seeds readily. Seeds need a period of cold stratification. Clean seeds and place in a sealed plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Refrigerate for 4-6 weeks. After this, sow in well-drained compost or soil, maintaining consistent moisture without overwatering. Keep the temperature at 15-21C (60-70F).

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Deadhead perennials before they seed (optional)

Divide and replant in spring

Let self-seed if desired

Plant in moist but well-drained soil (autumn or spring)

Plant container grown plants in a sunny postion

Sow seeds in a cold frame in autumn

Sow seeds in a cold frame in spring

Sow seeds in a propagator in spring

Cut back in autumn (optional)

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (2)

Holcus

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Holcus mollis 'Albovariegatus'
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Holcus mollis 'Albovariegatus' Variegated creeping soft grass
Holcus lanatus
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Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog
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Companion plants (0)

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