Effects of waterlogging levels on Holcus lanatus response traits in different created topsoils

•Plant development responded primarily to topsoil type.•Morphological traits responded positively to intermediate waterlogging treatment.•Functional traits did not respond clearly to waterlogging levels and different topsoils.•Amplitude of waterlogging effect was clearly dependent on topsoil tested.•In wetland restoration experiment including maximization of plant growth, waterlogging and topsoil effects have to be considered together.