Summary
You’ll fall for purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis) when panicles of reddish-purple flowers rise above the foliage in late summer. Purple lovegrass is a warm season bunch grass with narrow leaves arranged somewhat randomly in 10” wide clumps. Attractive throughout the growing season, the light green foliage turns a stunning bronze-red in autumn. This grass needs full sun and will thrive in poor, sandy soil or any soil with good drainage. It prefers even moisture but can be quite drought tolerant. Purple lovegrass will slowly spread by rhizomes to a width of about 3’ and may self seed. Use it alone, in mass plantings, or intermingle the 24” tall inflorescences with black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida), fringe leaf wild-petunia (Ruellia humilis), and white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata). Zones 5-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial-grass - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
dry-to-moist - Flowering Period
late-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
purple - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
red - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
North Creek Nurseries , Illinois Wildflowers, Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Info