Eragrostis trichodes

RHS Plant Profile
sand love grass
sand love grass RHS
Grass Like

An airy, delicate perennial grass forming slowly-creeping clumps, to 1.2m high, of shiny, flat green leaves. Flower stems bear airy, arching heads of shiny, bright green, red-tinted flowers from midsummer to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
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
N. America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sunny position in well-drained soil, ideal for open woodland and planting in drifts

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Coastal
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free