Species cogon grass
white, feathery flowering cotton spikes with creamy stem

cogon grass

Imperata cylindrica

Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) is a species of grass that is widespread throughout tropical and subtropical regions all around the world. Its erect, bright green stems reach up to two meters in height and are topped with feathery plumes of red or purplish flowers. As a highly adaptable plant, it can grow in a variety of habitats and soil types. Furthermore, it is both drought and fire-tolerant, making it ideal for areas where natural disasters are common. Its thick, dense growth can help to prevent soil erosion and provide cover for other vegetation. Unfortunately, Cogon Grass can also be a nuisance and can even become invasive.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) should be watered deeply and consistently. Depending on the current conditions, it should be watered deeply approximately twice a week during hot, dry weather and once every 2 weeks during more temperate conditions. Make sure that the soil remains moist but not soggy. Additionally, it should not be allowed to dry out completely between watering periods. It may be necessary to give more frequent water during extended periods of hot, dry weather.

sunlight

Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) grows best in full sunlight, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the summer, it can handle 8-10 hours of sunlight, but prefers partial shade during the hottest periods of the day. During the winter, 6-8 hours of sunlight per day is sufficient.

pruning

Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) is a fast-growing grass species that requires regular pruning to keep its size and shape under control. Pruning should occur in late spring or early summer, when the grass begins to shoot, and should involve the removal of up to 30-50% of the grass clumps. To control height, the grass can be cut regularly using mowers. This will allow for the development of new and healthy shoots, while keeping the plant from growing too quickly and becoming unruly.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Imperata cylindrica typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Imperata cylindrica typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map