Eragrostis spectabilis
purple love grass
A clump-forming deciduous grass with flat, narrow leaves up to 25cm long which form compact, disorganised clumps. In summer, airy clouds of small, red-purple flowers appear which fade to brown in the autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Eragrostis can be annual or perennial grasses with linear leaves and dense branched flowering panicles in summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun; will cope with poorer soils. In colder areas may need some winter protection. Flowers best in a good summer
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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