Description
Product Description
Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple Lovegrass) is a warm-season native bunchgrass celebrated for its airy, purple-pink panicles that float above neat, blue-green tufts in late summer and fall. The billowy bloom creates a soft, cloudlike haze that glows in low light, then matures to tawny seed heads for extended seasonal interest. Thriving in full sun and lean, well-drained soils, Purple Lovegrass is tough, drought-tolerant, and perfect for meadows, gravel gardens, curb strips, and low-maintenance borders.
Quick-Glance Specs
| Attribute | Details |
| Botanical Name | Eragrostis spectabilis |
| Common Name | Purple Lovegrass |
| Plant Type | Warm-season perennial bunchgrass |
| Native/Non-native | Native to North America |
| Hardiness Zone | 5–9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Moisture | Dry to medium; prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils |
| Mature Height | 12–18″ foliage; 18–24″+ in bloom |
| Mature Spread | 12–18″ clump |
| Growth Habit | Upright tufts; may self-seed in open, lean soils |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Fragrance | None |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall (airy purple-pink panicles) |
| Seasonal Interest | Summer–fall color; persistent seed heads into winter |
| Foliage & Features | Blue-green blades turning reddish-bronze in fall; billowy purple plumes |
| Landscape Features | Drought tolerance, erosion control, wildlife value |
| Landscape Uses | Meadows, gravel gardens, hot borders, slopes, curb strips, naturalized drifts |
| Soil | Lean to average, well-drained; avoids heavy, wet clay |
| Water Needs | Low after establishment |
| Maintenance | Low; cut back in late winter/early spring |
| Deer/Pest Resistance | Generally deer resistant; few serious pests |
| Container Friendly | Performs in sunny, well-drained containers |
| Recommended Spacing | 12–18″ for cohesive drifts |
Care & Growing Information
- Site & Light: Plant in full sun for the strongest color and densest plumes.
- Soil & Water: Prefers lean, well-drained soils (sandy/gravelly ideal). Water to establish; once established, it is drought tolerant. Avoid poorly drained or highly fertile soils.
- Planting: Set crowns level with soil surface; space 12–18″ for quick knit and flowing drifts.
- Maintenance: Low-care. Leave plumes for winter interest; cut back to 3–6″ in late winter/early spring. Minimal fertilizer—rich soils can cause flopping and reduce color.
- Design Tips: Mass in sun-baked sites and along gravel paths; pairs beautifully with coneflowers, prairie perennials, and other drought-tolerant natives.
Key Features
- Billowy purple-pink plumes for late-season color and movement
- Drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, lean soils
- Excellent for meadows, slopes, and gravel gardens
- Deer resistant with few pest issues
- Long seasonal interest from bloom through winter seed heads
Problems
- Few serious issues. Can flop in shade or overly rich/wet soils; keep conditions sunny and well-drained. Crown issues may develop in prolonged wet clay—improve drainage.
Uses in the Landscape
- Meadow and prairie plantings, naturalized drifts, and tapestry lawns
- Gravel gardens and xeric borders
- Curb strips and streetscapes with reflected heat
- Slopes for light erosion control with ornamental appeal
- Cut and dried arrangements from late-season plumes
Availability / Ordering
- Sizes Offered: #1 Gallon, 4″, DP-50 Plug, 50 and 72 Cell
- Recommended Spacing: 12–18″ for cohesive masses and airflow.
Why You’ll Love It
- Effortless late-season color with a shimmering, cloudlike effect
- Water-wise performance in tough, sunny sites
- Minimal care—cut back once a year and enjoy
Quick Highlights
A drought-tough native grass with airy, purple plumes—Purple Lovegrass brings color, movement, and low-input elegance to hot, sunny, well-drained landscapes.
