Eriophorum angustifolium - Common Cottongrass, Native Pond Marginal Plant
Eriophorum angustifolium - Common Cottongrass, Native Pond Marginal Plant
£6.80
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Planting Time
Flowering Time
Eriophorum angustifolium, known as common cottongrass or bog cotton, is a UK native sedge of bogs and boggy moorland. Its small flowers in spring are followed by white, cotton-wool seed heads, which are most noticeable in summer. It is a sedge, not a true grass.
Common cottongrass at a glance
| Botanical name | Eriophorum angustifolium |
|---|---|
| Common name | Common cottongrass, bog cotton |
| Plant type | Evergreen sedge; spreads by rhizomes |
| Height and spread | About 30 cm tall (up to 50 cm), spreading 1–1.5 m |
| Flowers | Small and inconspicuous, April to June, followed by white cottony seed heads |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Wet, poorly drained, acid soil |
| Pond depth | 0–5 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness | RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to | UK and Ireland (native wild plant) |
Where to plant common cottongrass
- Acid bog gardens
- The wet edge of a wildlife pond, with up to 5 cm of water over the crown
- A sunny, open spot
What soil does it need?
Wet, acid soil. It may struggle in alkaline or nutrient-rich ponds, so it is best in acid conditions.
Does it spread?
Yes. It spreads by rhizomes and covers ground better than the tufted Eriophorum vaginatum. The RHS gives a spread of 1–1.5 m.
Is it legal to grow?
Yes. It is a native plant and is not on any restricted list. Buy nursery-grown plants: digging up wild plants without the landowner's permission is an offence.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Pond depth: 0 - 5cm
Light: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Height and spread: 20 - 40cm tall, 100cm+ wide
Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.
Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.
Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.
Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.
2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.
At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.
Processing Time:
Orders are processed within 1 - 3 business day after payment confirmation. Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed the next business day.
Shipping Methods:
- Standard Shipping (1-3 days)
- Express Shipping (1-2 days)
Should you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, feel free to contact us.
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