Common Name: creeping velvetgrass
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 0.50 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Description: Purplish white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful
Tolerate: Drought, Black Walnut, Air Pollution
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates drought, but prefers even moisture. Plants in pint containers may be spaced 8-12" apart for use as a ground cover.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Holcus mollis, commonly called velvet grass or creeping soft grass, is an erect, spreading, rhizomatous grass which typically forms a mat of foliage 6-8" tall. Features narrow green blades (to 1/2" wide). Purplish-white flower spikes appear in summer and are followed by non-showy seed panicles. Common names of this grass are in reference to the soft texture of the blades.
Genus name comes from the Greek name for a kind of grain.
Specific epithet means soft.
'Albovariegatus' has variegated foliage with a green central stripes and white margins.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spot.
Uses
Ground cover. Small group accent for rock gardens. Edging plant.