Eragrostis spectabilis
purple love grass
A clump-forming deciduous grass. The flat, narrow leaves up to 25cm long and 1cm wide form compact, disorganised clumps and are topped in summer by airy clouds of small, red-purple flowers which fade to brown in autumn
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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 the UK
- 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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