Purple Lovegrass
Eragrostis spectabilis
We often wonder why any gardener would look to non-native grasses when our native grasses are so beautiful and diverse, Purple Lovegrass chief among them! As its species name would suggest, this grass is truly spectacular. Bunches of medium green foliage erupt in a haze of purplish-pink in summer, lasting for weeks or even months before turning tan and tumbling away to spread their seeds. This tough plant can handle drought, air pollution, black walnut, salt, and blazing heat as long as the soil is well drained, so give it your worst garden conditions and watch it thrive. And don’t forget to add some of that incredible pink to your next dried flower arrangement!
Conditions: Full sun; dry to medium, well-drained soils
Size: 1′ – 2′ tall, 1′ – 2′ wide
Zone: 5 – 9
Wildlife Value: Seeds provide some food for birds; provides cover for small mammals
