The dainty Mosquito Grass prefers a sunny spot and goes very well in the natural garden. You can combine it with houseleek or sedum.
The delicate and easy-care mosquito grass (Bouteloua gracilis) provides exotic charm in the home garden. Native to the dry regions of America, the plant is cultivated in our latitudes primarily for its truly unusual flowers.
The original homeland of mosquito grass is in the prairies of Canada and northern Mexico. The botanical name "Bouteloua" is intended to commemorate Claudio Boutelou. The Spanish botanist had the plant with him and made sure that hairpod grass also enjoyed many admirers in Europe.
Mosquito Grass - Special Features
The shape of the flowers gave mosquito grass its name. In summer, the panicles are adorned with two to four flower spikes. The spikelets are very dense and measure just five millimeters.
The ears sticking out horizontally from the shoots are reminiscent of a swarm of mosquitoes or dragonflies, which pause in flight with slanted wings. The effect intensifies towards late summer when the green inflorescences turn brownish.
| Mosquito grass (Bouteloua gracilis) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | upright, loose, clumpy, short stolons |
| Growth: | 20 - 40 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Flowering: | July - September |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry, lean, well-drained, calcareous |
Mosquito Grass - Use
The robust steppe dweller fits very well in natural gardens, which are filled with drought-loving steppe plants. Mosquito grass can also be planted in pots, ideally together with other plants that don't need much water. Suitable companions would be fat hen or houseleek.
» Tip: Mosquito grass is also very suitable for greening flat roofs.
Group planting is particularly attractive. To do this, place three to five copies directly next to each other.
The right location
Most Indian films are set on the prairie. Plants, on the other hand, are rare. Mosquito grass is undoubtedly one of the most robust plants. In order to adapt the site conditions to the natural terrain as best as possible, a sunny and dry site is an option.
The mosquito grass should get sun for several hours a day. Therefore, the plants are very suitable as gap fillers in full sun, which most garden plants do not like.
Choose a location that does not limit the growth of the mosquito grass. The expressive effect of the flowers can be observed all the more intensively.
» Tip: The combination with wild perennials is particularly attractive.
Selecting the ideal substrate
A dry and well-drained soil allows the steppe plant to thrive best. Poor soil is welcome for the easy-care ornamental grass. Ideal growth conditions prevail in a sandy subsoil. Calcareous and stony soils are also possible.
The mosquito grass thrives in simple garden soil. This should be enriched with sand or grit to increase permeability. Before planting, clear the soil of roots and weeds.
Planting mosquito grass - step by step
The ideal planting time is spring. Then the mosquito grass has enough time to take root before the next frost.
Proceed as follows for planting:
- Select Location
- Remove weeds from the planting site
- Loosen the soil if necessary and make it more permeable with sand or gravel
- Dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball
- Keep planting distance of at least 30 centimeters
- Insert the plant (no deeper than it was previously in the planter)
- Fill substrate carefully
- Press the earth lightly
- Water the plant
- Mulch the substrate around the planting site
» Tip: Up to nine plants can be grown per square meter.
Water mosquito grass properly
Even in full sun there is no need to water the plant every day. An exception are young plants that have not yet developed a stable root system and can use this to provide themselves with moisture and nutrients.
In the first year the mosquito grass should be watered more frequently. The soil is also allowed to dry in its upper layers. Pour alongSensitivity and avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Older plants are occasionally watered lightly during prolonged drought. Plants in tubs have a higher moisture requirement and are watered regularly. Installing drainage protects drought-loving potted plants from waterlogging.
The mosquito grass is not fertilized. This can do more harm than good to the plant. The extra boost of nutrients stimulates growth. The plants develop unnaturally and the tissue softens. This makes the robust plants more susceptible to diseases and pests and can be damaged in winter.
The most important planting and care tips at a glance
| Occupation | What matters? |
| Select Location | full sun dry |
| Prepare the ground | permeable sandy to loamy humos |
| Plant Mosquito Grass | plant in spring planting distance 30 centimeters |
| Water mosquito grass | Water young plants more frequently Avoid waterlogging Only water older plants during prolonged drought |
| Fertilize mosquito grass | no fertilization necessary |
Mosquito Grass Cutting
The mosquito grass should not be cut before winter, as it offers an attractive and bizarre sight in the otherwise rather dreary winter garden. In addition, the intact stalks also provide good protection during the cold season. On the other hand, moisture could penetrate the grass through the cut edges and promote rot.
In spring the mosquito grass can be cut back close to the ground
. This should be done in early spring to avoid damaging the new shoots.Propagate Mosquito Grass
The mosquito grass can be propagated by division and sowing. Growing from seed is a lengthy process that requires a lot of patience and offers no guarantees. The seeds are sown in spring. It can take many months for vigorous plants to develop.
Propagating the ornamental grass is much easier by division.
Proceed as follows:
- Dig up Mosquito Grass
- Remove root from substrate
- Check root for damage
- Split root with spade or knife
- Plant root pieces separately
- Plants as usualcultivate
The young plants have a very good growth guarantee and sprout profusely because the plant has rejuvenated at the same time.
Detect diseases and pests
The robust steppe plant is not attacked by pests. Even snails are not interested in the sharp blades.
The plants can be weakened by care mistakes. Too much moisture is poison for the mosquito grass and causes the roots to rot. If it is not possible for the soil to dry out well, mold must be expected.
Winter mosquito grass
Young plants are endangered in winter. In the first year it is therefore advisable to cultivate the mosquito grass as a container plant and to overwinter it indoors frost-free - at around five degrees.
Older plants do not need winter protection. However, make sure that the moisture does not accumulate, as this can also rot or freeze the robust mosquito grass. The intact culms offer sufficient winter protection and should be tied together in small bundles if possible.