Ampelodesmos mauritanicus
diss grass
A large, perennial clump-forming evergreen ornamental grass forming dense mounds of tough, leathery green leaves, growing to approximately 1m x 1m. In late spring and early summer, this plant bears arching stems to 2m tall with feathery drooping white cream or purple flowerheads on one side, which nod gently in a breeze.
Other common names
dis grassMauritania vine reed
Synonyms
Arundo mauritanica Poir.Ampelodesmos tenax
see moreArundo tenax
Arundo ampelodesmos
Arundo bicolor
Arundo festucoides
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Genus
Ampelodesmos are large evergreen grasses with long, linear leaves and tall, one-sided sprays of flowers in late spring and summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Divide every few years to maintain vigour. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in late winter to early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flower stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.