Description of Eriophorum scheuchzeri (White Cotton Grass)

Eriophorum scheuchzeri is white cotton grass, an upland and arctic bog plant grown for its cottony seed heads. It is similar in feel to other cottongrasses but often has fewer heads per stem, giving a cleaner look.

Appearance

It forms clumps of narrow leaves. Flowering stems rise in late spring and carry fluffy white heads as seeds develop. Height is usually 20 to 50cm. The white tufts last for weeks in the right weather.

Care Guide

It needs acidic, peaty conditions and constant moisture. Heat and rich compost reduce its performance.

• Sun: Full sun is best.
• Soil: Acidic peat-based bog mix.
• Water: Keep permanently wet.
• Feeding: Do not feed. Lean conditions suit it.
• Weeds: Keep grasses and runners out of the clump.

If it browns off early, the mix is often too warm or too dry at the surface.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits acidic bog gardens, especially Sarracenia-style builds. Plant it where it stays wet and open, and let the white heads do the work in late spring.

It is not ideal for neutral bog beds.

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