Lygeum spartum (False esparto grass). A relatively slow spreading rhizomatous tufted grass with attractive, vertically inclined, pale yellowish to grey-green rush-like leaves. It grows to 60-90 cm tall and starts to flower in spring and continues into the summer. The cupped flowers have 2 or 3 large, single flowered spikelets fused at the base and surrounded by many long hairs, which are further surrounded by a pair of large, delicate, pink, spathe-like bracts. Plant in full sun to light shade in almost any soil and water occasionally, especially in spring, until established.
This is a drought and salt-tolerant grass, hardy to about -12 C. Although it remains fairly tidy, its appearance can be improved by raking out the dead foliage or cutting back in late autumn to allow regrowth in winter and spring. Lygeum spartum is naturally widespread throughout the Mediterranean, the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. It has an extensive root system which has been shown to play an important role in preventing soil erosion by stabilising sand and exposed sites. It is also a valuable source of fodder for grazing animals and a habitat for wildlife such as insects and reptiles. It is a truly drought tolerant ornamental grass that can grow in seasonally wetter conditions without becoming too large.
Lygeum is not invasive and can be cut back to the ground at any time of the year to encourage new growth and freshen up the appearance, although this should not be done too frequently as it can deplete the plant's reserves, particularly in years with low winter rainfall.
Imagem da espécie Lygeum spartum | |
Wikimedia Commons. Lygeum spartum | |
Nanosanchez, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons | |
S. Rae from Scotland, UK, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
We are a plant nursery in the Algarve specialising in dry mediterranean species. We propagate and grow our own stock in conditions they are likely to endure when they are planted out.
We grow plants that are adapted to the dry land conditions in Portugal and southern Spain, both mediterranean perennials and succulents.
We choose plants that require very little water and maintenance. We produce a range of dry land plants that are typical of the worlds mediterranean regions. These are available to order ready for planting in the wetter months of the year. Please order the plants you need and we’ll have them ready at the best time for planting.
To ensure your new plants adapt and establish quickly, we produce them in special anti-spiral root pruning containers and a range of fibre pots (no plastic waste) with our own tried and tested growing media.
Viveiros Jardimseco
Tavira, Algarve
Please note we have no retail outlet or garden centre and are not open to the public. For more information you can contact us here.
Plantas adaptadas à seca - produzimos plantas adaptadas às condições de Portugal e Sul de Espanha, tanto espécies mediterrânicas como suculentas.
Oferecemos uma gama de espécies típicas das zonas climáticas mediterrânicas em todo o mundo.