Purple Love Grass
Eragrostis pectinacea 'Purple Love Grass'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Eragrostis spectabilis, or Purple Love Grass, is a warm-season, clump-forming ornamental grass known for its airy, reddish-purple flower panicles that create a fine-textured haze in late summer. The cloud-like purple inflorescence is the main ornamental feature, providing spectacular late-season color and texture. The flower heads often break off in fall and tumble in the wind.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings lightly every few days to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in late winter to promote healthy growth.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to encourage vigorous growth.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining sandy soil and full sun for optimal growth and vibrant foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 💧
- Prune back in late winter to maintain shape ✂️
- Apply fertilizer in spring and mid-summer 🌱
- Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth
- Avoid excessive shade, as it prefers full sun
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Purple Love Grass questions
What zones can Purple Love Grass grow in?
Purple Love Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Purple Love Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Purple Love Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Purple Love Grass bloom?
Purple Love Grass typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Purple Love Grass need full sun?
Purple Love Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Purple Love Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple Love Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Purple Love Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
