Overview

Eragrostis curvula is a tufted grass like in the genus Eragrostis, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Eragrostis curvula grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and cut flowers.

About

Eragrostis curvula, commonly known as African love grass or weeping love grass, is a tufted, deciduous grass-like plant from the Poaceae family. It grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This low-maintenance grass thrives in full sun and prefers sheltered positions with west, east, or south-facing aspects. It adapts well to a variety of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, and tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels, favouring moist but well-drained to well-drained soils. It provides seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

About the genus

Eragrostis is a large and widespread genus of plants in the grass family, found in many countries on all inhabited continents and many islands.

Wikipedia contributors, "Eragrostis", CC BY-SA 4.0Eragrostis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Eragrostis

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Eragrostis curvula size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Grass Like
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Eragrostis curvula

Propagation
Seed, Division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Eragrostis curvula?

Eragrostis curvula prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Eragrostis curvula need?

Eragrostis curvula is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

How big does Eragrostis curvula grow?

Eragrostis curvula reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Eragrostis curvula hardy in the UK?

Eragrostis curvula has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Eragrostis curvula?

Seed, Division.

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