Eragrostis spectabilis

RHS Plant Profile
purple love grass
purple love grass RHS

Other common names

spectacular love grass

Grass Like

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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