grassN. America Native

Elliott's Lovegrass

The Story

Plant Bio

Eragrostis is a widespread genus of warm-season grasses characterized by fine foliage and delicate, open flower panicles. Eragrostis elliottii is a clump-forming perennial bunchgrass native to sandy coastal plains and pinelands of the southeastern United States.

This species forms a rounded mound of narrow, powder-blue leaves that retain their color through high summer heat. In late summer, airy clouds of fine panicles rise above the foliage, holding pale spikelets that dry into a tan or buff haze.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking powder-blue leaf blades topped by misty, cloud-like seed heads in late summer.

Thrives in nutrient-poor, drought-prone soils where few ornamental perennials survive.

Provides larval host food for the Zabulon skipper butterfly and seeds for small birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

39"

Width

35"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States, Mexico, West Indies

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in full sun with sharp, sandy or rocky drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water thoroughly upon planting, then reduce irrigation once roots are established.
Cut all foliage back to ground level in late winter before new shoots emerge.

Pro Tip

Protect root crowns from winter dampness and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as excess moisture or nutrient loading causes the slender stems to sprawl and rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in fast-draining sandy or lean soils.
Cut back dead growth completely in late winter.
Provide full sun exposure to maintain upright growth.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay.
Do not apply heavy applications of nitrogen fertilizer.
Do not shear foliage back into old wood mid-season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass plantings in meadow and prairie gardensCoastal erosion control and dune plantingsAccent grass in dry gravel borders

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Liatris spicata Asclepias tuberosa Schizachyrium scoparium Salvia azurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Elliott's Lovegrass questions

What zones can Elliott's Lovegrass grow in?

Elliott's Lovegrass is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Elliott's Lovegrass deer resistant?

Yes — Elliott's Lovegrass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Elliott's Lovegrass bloom?

Elliott's Lovegrass typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Elliott's Lovegrass need full sun?

Elliott's Lovegrass does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Elliott's Lovegrass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Elliott's Lovegrass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.