Also known as Lovegrass · 189 gardener saves
Eragrostis: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Eragrostis, the genus most gardeners know as lovegrass. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Eragrostis varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedPurple Love Grass
Eragrostis pectinacea 'Purple Love Grass'
#2 most savedWind Dancer Grass
Eragrostis chloromelas 'Wind Dancer'
#3 most savedPurple Love Grass
Eragrostis spectabilis
Weeping Lovegrass
Eragrostis curvula
How to grow Eragrostis
What the Eragrostis varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Eragrostis year
- DivideMarch and April100% of varieties
Divide clumps in spring every few years to maintain vigor.
- PlantMarch, April and September75% of varieties
Plant or sow seeds in spring after the last frost date.
- Spring CleanupFebruary50% of varieties
Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges.
- PruneFebruary50% of varieties
Cut back all old foliage to 2-3 inches before new growth starts.
Do
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years
- Remove dead foliage in late winter
- Provide full sun for best flowering and form.
- Embrace its self-seeding nature for naturalized drifts.
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring.
Avoid
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Do not plant in shade, as it will become floppy and not flower well.
- Avoid overly rich or fertile soil, which can lead to weak growth.
- Do not overwater once the plant is established.
What goes wrong with Eragrostis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| None significant | This plant is generally pest-free. | Maintain good garden hygiene and proper cultural conditions. |
| Rust | Small, reddish-brown pustules on leaf blades, especially in humid weather. | Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly. Remove and destroy heavily infected foliage. Fungicides are rarely necessary. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown spots on foliage | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
Making more Eragrostis
Seed
- Sow seeds directly outdoors in fall or spring.
- Lightly rake seeds into the soil surface as they need light to germinate.
- Keep the area moist until germination occurs.
- Germination typically takes 2-3 weeks in warm soil.
Division
- Dig up the entire clump in early spring.
- Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the clump into smaller sections.
- Ensure each division has a healthy set of roots and shoots.
- Replant the divisions immediately and water well.
Eragrostis questions
How many types of Eragrostis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Eragrostis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 189 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Eragrostis grow in?
Across its varieties, Eragrostis covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Eragrostis bloom?
Most Eragrostis varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Eragrostis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Eragrostis shows up in
Design with Eragrostis in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
