How to Grow Boer Lovegrass
iNaturalist
Boer Lovegrass
Eragrostis curvula
grassBoer Lovegrass is a perennial bunchgrass native to South Africa, known for its fine, delicate foliage and exceptional drought tolerance. It forms attractive clumps and produces fine, wispy seed heads that add ornamental value to landscapes. This hardy grass is widely used for erosion control, rangeland restoration, and as an ornamental accent in xeriscaping.
When should you plant Boer Lovegrass in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Boer Lovegrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Boer Lovegrass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Boer Lovegrass
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Boer Lovegrass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10, with best performance in zones 7-9
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Get my Boer Lovegrass timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with fine cotyledons and initial leaf development
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide full sun exposure. Avoid walking on seedlings.
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plants develop root systems and begin forming loose bunches, with 3-4 true leaves visible
Water moderately 2-3 times per week. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if needed. Protect from foot traffic.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsBunchgrass forms dense clumps with fine, blue-green foliage reaching 12-24 inches tall
Reduce watering frequency; water only during prolonged drought. No fertilizer needed. Light mowing or trimming may be done if desired.
Flowering & Seed Production
2-3 monthsFine, delicate panicles emerge above foliage, displaying pink to purple tinges with feathery seed heads
Allow seed heads to mature for wildlife food or natural reseeding. Do not fertilize. Minimal water needed.
Dormancy
2-4 months (varies by zone)Foliage may turn golden-brown during winter in cooler zones; seed heads persist and provide winter interest
No watering or fertilizing needed. Leave seed heads for wildlife and visual interest. Remove dead foliage in spring if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Generally not a significant problem; use spinosad if severe infestations occur
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Rarely problematic; allow natural predators to control; remove affected areas if needed
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Ensure good drainage and air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected foliage
Uses
Wildlife food and habitat
WildlifeBoer Lovegrass seed heads provide nutritious food for birds and wildlife throughout fall and winter. Dense bunchgrass clumps offer cover for small mammals and ground-nesting birds. [source]
Erosion control and land restoration
HouseholdExceptional drought tolerance and extensive root systems make Boer Lovegrass ideal for stabilizing slopes, controlling erosion, and restoring degraded rangelands and disturbed areas. [source]
Ornamental landscaping
HouseholdFine foliage texture and delicate seed heads add visual interest to xeriscape gardens, pollinator gardens, and native plant landscapes year-round. [source]
Rangeland forage
CulinaryIn arid and semi-arid regions, Boer Lovegrass provides nutritious grazing forage for livestock and wildlife with minimal water input, making it valuable for sustainable ranching. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn South African traditional medicine, lovegrasses have been used to support digestive and respiratory health, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Boer Lovegrass is not harvested in the traditional sense. Seed heads can be collected in late summer to fall (4-6 months after flowering begins) by cutting dry panicles and storing in cool, dry conditions. For erosion control and ornamental use, allow plants to mature naturally. Divide established clumps in spring for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Boer Lovegrass is one of the most drought-tolerant grasses available, requiring up to 50% less water than traditional turf grasses while providing erosion control and wildlife habitat.
- 🌱 The name 'Boer' refers to the Dutch/Afrikaans settlers of South Africa where this grass originates; it became popular in the American West and Southwest for restoration of overgrazed rangelands.
- 🌱 Its fine seed heads are so delicate and feathery that they resemble love grass (hence the common name), and they persist through winter, providing visual interest and food for birds during lean months.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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