About
This 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.
About the genus
Eragrostis can be annual or perennial grasses with linear leaves and dense branched flowering panicles in summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toUSA
Care notes
CultivationGrows 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
PruningCut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free