Description of Eriophorum russeoleum (Bronze Cotton Grass)

Eriophorum russeolum is bronze cotton grass, grown for warm-toned cottony seed heads. It suits acidic bog gardens and looks best where the soil stays wet and low in nutrients.

Appearance

It forms small clumps of narrow leaves. Flowering stems rise in late spring, then develop fluffy heads that can show buff to bronze tones as they mature. Height is usually 20 to 50cm.

Care Guide

It needs acidic, peaty conditions and constant moisture. Rich compost and fertiliser push leafy growth but reduce the seed heads.

• Sun: Full sun.
• Soil: Acidic peat-based bog mix.
• Water: Keep permanently wet.
• Feeding: Do not feed. Keep conditions lean.
• Weeds: Keep grasses and runners out so it stays open.

If it browns off early, the surface is often drying out or the mix is warming too much.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits Sarracenia-style bog gardens and other acidic bog beds. Plant it where the seed heads can sit above low ground cover and moss.

It is not ideal for neutral bog mixes.

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