Panicum capillare

RHS Plant Profile
witch grass

Other common names

old witch grass, witchgrass

Grass Like Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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