Wangenheimia lima Vulcan | Fine Ornamental Grass

Wangenheimia lima | Vulcan Grass | Ornamental Grass Seeds

Specifically raised for the professional flower and ornamental market, Wangenheimia lima is a distinctive annual grass valued for its unusual, architectural seed heads. The flattened flower spikes form a striking pattern often compared to a small fish skeleton, giving this grass a unique, modern character.

Equally effective fresh or dried, Vulcan Grass is long-lasting and highly decorative, making it ideal for naturalistic borders, meadow-style plantings, and contemporary floral arrangements. Easy to grow and low maintenance, it performs best when sown directly but can also be grown in containers.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Wangenheimia lima
• Common name: Vulcan Grass
• Plant type: Annual ornamental grass
• Height: approx. 70 cm (2½ ft)
• Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
• Soil: Any well-drained soil
• Use: Ornamental borders, cut & dried flowers, naturalistic planting
• Special feature: Flat, architectural seed heads
• Self-seeding: Yes

Germination Instructions

• Sowing time: March–May (after danger of frost)
• Method: Best sown direct where it is to flower
• Prepare a seedbed raked to a fine tilth
• Sowing depth: Surface sow; lightly rake in or press into soil
• Water gently and keep moist until germination
• Germination is usually quick and reliable

🔸 Optional: Can be sown into 5–6 inch (12–15 cm) pots. If started under glass, harden off carefully before planting outdoors once frost risk has passed.

Growing Instructions

• Allow seedlings to grow undisturbed after germination
• Thrives in full or partial sun
• Requires minimal care once established
• Ideal for the middle of ornamental borders
• Excellent for cutting and drying at peak seed-head stage

Cultivation Notes

• This annual grass will self-seed freely under suitable conditions

• Remove seed heads if self-seeding is not desired