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Key characteristics

Family: Poaceae
Height: 12 to 18 inches
Width: 12 to 24 inches
Flower color: Pale pink to light green, maturing to tan
Foliage color: Green with creamy-white variegation
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; may require trimming to maintain tidiness
Growing zone: Zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Provides cover for small wildlife; seedheads attract birds

Groundcovers

Holcus mollis 'Albovariegatus'

Variegated Creeping Soft Grass

Holcus mollis 'Albovariegatus' is an ornamental grass prized for its soft, arching foliage marked with creamy white stripes along the green blades. This variegation adds a luminous quality to shaded or sunny garden areas. In midsummer, delicate flower spikes emerge, bearing tiny purplish-green seed heads that sway gently in the breeze, adding texture and movement to the landscape.

Native to Europe, Holcus mollis is well-adapted to temperate regions and valued for its spreading habit and ability to form dense ground cover.

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Borders
Containers
Under Trees

Companion plants

Wild ginger · Skimmias · Hellebores · Siberian buglosses · Lamiums · Japanese maples

Design tip

Use this graceful variegated grass to soften the edges of woodland borders and weave light-colored foliage through shaded plantings. Pair it with broad-leaved perennials, evergreen shrubs, and contrasting textures to create gentle movement and visual harmony across the garden.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)