A rootless air plant forming long, draping silver-grey festoons of thread-like stems that hang from branches and need no soil. Spectacular trailing from baskets, pergolas and tree limbs.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Spanish Moss
Botanically, Tillandsia usneoides is a slow-growing perennial in the Bromeliaceae family. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Yellow flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Spanish Moss
Spanish Moss suits subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Spanish Moss does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Spanish Moss performs well with relatively little water once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Spanish Moss after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Spanish Moss in the garden
Spanish Moss earns its place for hanging baskets and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Combine Spanish Moss with plants that share its preference for happy on low water and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Spanish Moss
Plant Sale lists Spanish Moss as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
