Purple Lovegrass

Purple Lovegrass is an herbaceous perennial grass with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Self-Seeding

Purple Lovegrass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

Accent, General Garden Use, Groundcover, Container Planting

Purple Lovegrass features showy plumes of plum purple flowers rising above the foliage from mid summer to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its grassy leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Purple Lovegrass will grow to be about 10 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

Purple Lovegrass is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

Hardiness Zone: 4

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 10 inches (24 inches with the flowers)

Spread: 24 inches

Photo Credits:  NetPS Plant Finder