Gastridium ventricosum

RHS Plant Profile
nit grass

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Synonyms

Milium lendigerum, Gastridium lendigerum

Annual Biennial Grass Like
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An uncommon native, annual grass found mostly in coastal areas of south-west England. forming loose, leafy tufts up to 50cm high. Fluffy, pale green flowers appear on stiff stems in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Found in a variety of habitats where the grass cover is sparse such as woodland glades, short limestone grassland, near the coast or in cultivated ground. Thrives in poor, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils and will tolerate coastal conditions

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free