Description
Holcus – Velvet Grass –
There are about 8 species of invasive, annual or perennial grasses, in this genus. They occur in woodland and grassland in Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. They have soft, linear, flat or folded, mid green or bluish green leaves, and dense or open, spike like panicles of flattened, 2 flowered spikelets borne in summer. Only H. mollis ‘Albovariegatus’ is usually grown, it is an attractive carpeting plant for the front of a herbaceous border or rock garden.
Grow in any moist but well drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade, avoid full sun. Deadhead to prevent self seeding. Divide in spring.
Prone to rust, leaf spots, and smut.
H. mollis ‘Albovariegatus’ – This loosely tufted, mat forming, perennial grass grows 12-15″ tall and at least 18″ wide. It produces linear, flat, soft, blue-green leaves, 6-18″ long, with wide, creamy white edges. In summer it bears erect stems that carry pale green spikelets in relatively few, narrowly oblong to ovate panicles, to 5″ long. It is less invasive than the species.
Zones 5-9
