Grass - Sand Lovegrass

Sand Lovegrass

Botanical Name

:

Eragrostis trichodes

Plant Type

:

Warm-season perennial ornamental grass

Seasons

:

Grows in spring, summer, and fall. Mature plants turn bronze in the fall

Sun Level

:

Full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

65–75°F (18–24°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil

Hardiness Zones

:

5–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

10-14 days, 70°F (21°C) soil temperature

P.H. Level

:

6.0–7.5

Water/Irrigation

:

Drought-tolerant once established; regular watering in the first year to promote root development.

Fertilization

:

Light application of balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage growth

Habit

:

Clumping, mounding, and upright

Propagation

:

Propagates by seed or division; best done in spring or early fall

Final Plant Height

:

2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

Spread

:

1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

Spacing

:

1-2 feet apart for natural spreading

Flowers

:

Delicate, airy flower heads that are purplish-brown, appearing in late summer to fall

Attracts

:

Birds, especially in the fall for seed heads

Uses

:

Drought-tolerant ground cover, erosion control, or ornamental garden plant

Companions

:

Wildflowers, native perennials like Black-eyed Susans, and other low-maintenance grasses

Pruning

:

Minimal pruning is required. Cut back foliage to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps to tidy up the plant and remove dead material

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Minimal, occasionally susceptible to aphids or mealybugs

Diseases

:

Resistant to most diseases, but can suffer from rust in humid conditions

Botanical Name

:

Eragrostis trichodes

Plant Type

:

Warm-season perennial ornamental grass

Seasons

:

Grows in spring, summer, and fall. Mature plants turn bronze in the fall

Sun Level

:

Full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

65–75°F (18–24°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil

Hardiness Zones

:

5–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

10-14 days, 70°F (21°C) soil temperature

P.H. Level

:

6.0–7.5

Water/Irrigation

:

Drought-tolerant once established; regular watering in the first year to promote root development.

Fertilization

:

Light application of balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage growth

Habit

:

Clumping, mounding, and upright

Propagation

:

Propagates by seed or division; best done in spring or early fall

Final Plant Height

:

2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

Spread

:

1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

Spacing

:

1-2 feet apart for natural spreading

Flowers

:

Delicate, airy flower heads that are purplish-brown, appearing in late summer to fall

Attracts

:

Birds, especially in the fall for seed heads

Uses

:

Drought-tolerant ground cover, erosion control, or ornamental garden plant

Companions

:

Wildflowers, native perennials like Black-eyed Susans, and other low-maintenance grasses

Pruning

:

Minimal pruning is required. Cut back foliage to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps to tidy up the plant and remove dead material

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Minimal, occasionally susceptible to aphids or mealybugs

Diseases

:

Resistant to most diseases, but can suffer from rust in humid conditions

Written by Salome Wapukha – https://www.linkedin.com/in/salome-wapukha-556700193/