Eriophorum angustifolium
common cottongrass
- 3 × 9cm pots
- £27.99 £9.33 each
- available to order from summer
- 1 litre aquatic pot
- £21.99
- available to order from summer
- 3 × 1 litre aquatic pots
- £39.99 £13.33 each
- available to order from summer
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil type: reliably moist or boggy soils, or aquatic compost
- Depth of water: 0-5cm (0-2in)
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Slender, grass-like leaves, each with a sharp-pointed tip, forms a spreading clump, which in summer is topped with fluffy-looking, pendent spikelets. An attractive, moisture-loving perennial, Eriophorum angustifolium will often retain most of its leaves throughout the winter, so has year-round appeal.
Plant in reliably moist, acidic soil in full sun to partial shade, or grow as a shallow water marginal in an aquatic basket filled with quality aquatic compost. Space clumps about 30-45cm (12-18in) apart if planting directly into the ground. Water well after planting and keep the soil consistently damp, as the plant naturally grows in boggy areas.
Each spring, while wearing gloves, gently comb through the foliage to remove old leaves and keep the plant tidy. Divide congested clumps in spring to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding. Little feeding is needed, but a top-dressing of ericaceous compost in spring (for bog garden plantings) will help maintain vigour.
Each spring, while wearing gloves, gently comb through the foliage to remove old leaves and keep the plant tidy. Divide congested clumps in spring to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding. Little feeding is needed, but a top-dressing of ericaceous compost in spring (for bog garden plantings) will help maintain vigour.
