Chloris virgata

Chloris virgata, commonly known as feathery Rhodes Grass, is a widespread wild grass in many temperate to warm regions where it occupies diverse environments such as coastal regions, disturbed areas, road and railway edges, and cultivated lands. It is often an annual species, sometimes perennial, with bluish-green leaves and decorative feathery flower spikes that range from very pale blonde to reddish-brown. Hardy and adaptable, this small grass thrives in any moderately moist garden soil, where it can naturalise.

Chloris virgata belongs to the large family of Poaceae (Gramineae). It is a pioneering species native to Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas. It is an herbaceous plant reaching about 50 cm (20in) in height. It occasionally forms tufts and sometimes spreads through stolons. The leaves are deciduous in winter, slightly hairy, bluish-green, 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12in) long, tapering to a fine point. Flowering occurs from June to August, with timing varying depending on the climate. The inflorescence consists of 4 to 20 finger-like units measuring up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. These feathery flowers transition from pale green to almost white, then to dark brown. Capable of self-seeding, the plant can eventually form extensive populations if the environment suits it.

Chloris virgata can be advantageously associated with other grasses for well-drained garden beds; consider, for example, Helictotrichon sempervirens or Bouteloua gracilis. In a meadow-like bed, it can be combined with thistles, centaureas, poppies, and nigellas. Grasses provide elegant contrasts with plants with colourful foliage that appreciate the same conditions, such as Clematis recta Purpurea or Phlomis tuberosa.