Panicum capillare
old witch grass
Loosely tufted annual grass about 60-100cm in height, with clumps of flat, linear mid-green leaves to 30cm long. Dense panicles of tiny greenish-brown spikelets on very fine branchlets are produced in late summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Brown | Green Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Panicum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, with flat, narrowly lanceolate leaves, with large finely branched panicles of small spikelets in late summer or autumn
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. See Ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Bedding
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems at the end of the growing season
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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