How to Grow Lovegrass, Elliott's Lovegrass
Lovegrass, Elliott's Lovegrass
Eragrostis elliottii
grassElliott's lovegrass is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass native to the southeastern United States, characterized by delicate, open panicles and fine-textured foliage. It grows 2-3 feet tall and produces airy, purple-tinged seedheads that persist through fall and winter. This ornamental grass is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements once established.
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Example Lovegrass, Elliott's Lovegrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lovegrass, Elliott's 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 Lovegrass, Elliott's Lovegrass
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6b-9b, with best performance in zones 7-9
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Get my Lovegrass, Elliott's Lovegrass timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with fine, hair-like leaves; very delicate appearance.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Protect from foot traffic and strong winds.
Establishment
6-10 weeksYoung plants develop deeper root systems and begin forming small tufts; foliage grows to 6-12 inches.
Maintain consistent moisture. Remove competing weeds carefully. Begin light fertilization if needed.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksBunchgrass forms dense clumps with fine-textured, upright leaves; plant reaches 12-24 inches tall.
Reduce watering frequency as deep roots develop. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization. No pruning needed.
Flowering & Seedhead Formation
6-8 weeksDelicate, airy panicles emerge above foliage with tiny flowers; seedheads develop a purplish or bronze tint.
Allow seedheads to fully develop for ornamental value. Do not deadhead if self-seeding is desired. Reduce water inputs.
Dormancy & Senescence
4-6 monthsFoliage gradually fades to golden-tan or russet color; seedheads persist through winter providing structure and wildlife habitat.
Cut back in late winter to 2-4 inches before new growth emerges. Leave standing for winter ornamental interest if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Generally not a major issue; remove by hand if necessary. Use row covers for young transplants if populations are high.
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Rare in well-drained soils; improve air circulation, reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Remove infected foliage if severe.
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Uncommon in ornamental grass settings; stress the plant less through proper watering to improve pest resistance.
Uses
Wildlife Habitat & Food
WildlifeElliott's lovegrass provides seed for songbirds, grasshoppers, and other wildlife throughout fall and winter. The dense clumps also offer shelter for ground-dwelling insects and small animals. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdThe fine-textured foliage and persistent seedheads make this grass valuable for garden borders, mass plantings, and naturalistic or prairie-style gardens. Its airy form creates visual lightness and movement. [source]
Dried Flower & Arrangement
CraftSeedheads can be cut and dried for use in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and other decorative crafts. The delicate structure and subtle coloring add texture to compositions. [source]
Grain & Forage
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, Eragrostis species have been used historically as a grain crop (teff) in some cultures. Elliott's lovegrass forage provides nutritious grazing for livestock in drought-prone regions. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdThe deep root system of this perennial grass helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes, making it useful for bioswales and restoration plantings. [source]
Harvest Tips
Elliott's lovegrass is an ornamental; seedheads are typically left standing through winter for visual interest. Collect mature seeds in fall (August-September) by cutting seedheads into a bag; allow to dry completely before storing. For cutting, harvest seedheads when fully developed but before heavy seed drop for dried flower arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Elliott's lovegrass was named after botanist Stephen Elliott, an early 19th-century naturalist from South Carolina, and is native to the Southeastern United States.
- 🌱 The genus Eragrostis includes teff (Eragrostis tef), an ancient grain crop that remains a dietary staple in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
- 🌱 Elliott's lovegrass self-seeds readily and can naturalize in favorable conditions, making it useful for prairie restoration and low-maintenance landscaping.
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