Species sand lovegrass
pink-green foliage

sand lovegrass

Eragrostis trichodes

Sand Lovegrass is an amazing and unique-looking species of grass. Its leaves are elegant, long, thin, and blue-green in color. Its flower heads form in clusters that are light to dark-purple in color, giving off a light sweet scent. It is native to sandy areas of eastern and southern Africa, and is well suited for hot, dry climates. It is also very drought resistant and able to tolerate poor soils often encountered in dry areas. Additionally, it provides food and shelter for a number of animals and birds. A beautiful addition to any yard or garden of any size, Sand Lovegrass adds color, texture, and beauty to any outdoor space.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Purple tinted Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Sand lovegrass (Eragrostis trichodes) should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the season and the type of soil it is grown in. During the summer months, when the temperature is warmer, it is important to provide more frequent watering. If the soil is sandy or droughty, water the plant more often. In the fall and winter, when temperatures are cooler, reduce the frequency of watering to allow the soil to dry out between each session. With regard to the amount of water, it should be enough so that water starts to flow from the site of the watering. This will ensure that all of the roots have had an opportunity to absorb moisture.

sunlight

Sand lovegrass prefers full sun and thrives when it receives a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Typically, it will perform best when planted in areas with direct sun exposure for most of the day, especially during the peak heat of the summer. It can tolerate partial shade, but the more sun it receives the more lush growth it will produce. While Sand lovegrass is drought tolerant, it performs best when adequate moisture is available throughout the growing season. It will benefit from supplemental irrigation during times of extended drought or extreme heat.

pruning

Sand lovegrass should be pruned once a year, typically in late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged stems that are no longer growing. Then, use pruning shears to trim the stem tips to desired length. Generally, the plant should be pruned back by roughly 1-third of its original size; however, depending on the size and shape of the desired plant, pruning may need to vary. When finished pruning, discard all the cut material and gently water the surrounding soil.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Sand lovegrass typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Sand lovegrass typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map