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Elymus hispidus

Loosely tufted perennial grass about 75cm tall, with upright or arching, linear, bristly, pale silvery-blue leaves to 20cm long and slender flower spikes of up to 8-flowered spikelets in early and midsummer

Synonyms
Leymus hispidus
Agropyron intermedium subsp. glaucum
see moreElymus glaucus misapplied
Agropyron intermedium
Agropyron glaucum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Grey Silver
Summer Blue Grey Silver Blue Grey Silver
Autumn Blue Grey Silver
Winter Blue Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Genus

Elymus can be tufted or rhizomatous perennial grasses, with linear, deciduous leaves, sometimes attractively coloured, and flattened flower spikes in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe to Pakistan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed in situ in autumn or spring or propagate by division from mid spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut back to ground level in late autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust

Get involved

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