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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Spanish Moss is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Spanish Moss with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Spanish Moss
Plant Sale lists Spanish Moss as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.