Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Verify the amount of daily sunlight the plant receives.
- Check the age and size of the plant.
- Ensure the plant is not being over-fertilized with nitrogen.
Likely causes
Lack of Sunlight
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant is healthy and green but shows no signs of developing flower stalks. It is likely sitting in a spot that is too shady.
What to do: Move the grass to a location that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of bright light or partial sun. Increased light exposure is the primary trigger for flower production in this species.
Young Plant
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is very small or has only recently been divided or repotted. It is simply focusing its energy on root and foliage growth.
What to do: Be patient and allow the plant to establish itself for a full growing season. Ensure it receives consistent care and it will likely bloom once it reaches maturity.
Find out what's wrong with your wavy hair-grass
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is not a cause for concern if the plant is young or has been recently moved. If it is a mature plant in good light that has failed to bloom for two years, it may need a location change.
Stopping it coming back
Provide plenty of bright, indirect light and avoid heavy pruning during the spring when flower stalks are forming.
Wavy hair-grass: not flowering? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wavy hair-grass and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- When does this grass usually bloom?
- Avenella flexuosa typically produces its delicate flowers in late spring to early summer.
- Does fertilizer help it flower?
- Too much fertilizer can actually discourage flowering by encouraging only leaf growth. Stick to a light feeding in early spring.
More problems with Wavy hair-grass
Back to the Wavy hair-grass guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.