How to Grow Weeping Grass
iNaturalist
Weeping Grass
Microlaena stipoides
grassWeeping grass is a fine-textured, cool-season perennial grass native to Australia with delicate, drooping foliage that creates an elegant cascading effect in gardens. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers and is valued primarily for its ornamental foliage rather than its seed heads. This grass is drought-tolerant once established and provides year-round visual interest with minimal maintenance.
When should you plant Weeping Grass 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 Weeping Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Weeping Grass
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 Weeping Grass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Weeping Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-10a; tolerates zone 8a with protection
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Seedling/Establishment
4-6 weeksFine, delicate leaf blades emerge; plant is low and spreading. Growth is slow initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from direct intense heat. Avoid foot traffic.
Vegetative Development
2-3 monthsFoliage spreads outward in a mounding habit; characteristic weeping, drooping form becomes apparent. Plant reaches 6-12 inches tall.
Water moderately as needed. Begin light fertilization with balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Mulch lightly around base.
Maturation
Ongoing from year 2 onwardPlant fills out to full mature size (12-18 inches tall and wide), with dense, graceful cascading foliage creating elegant mounding form.
Reduce watering frequency; established plants are drought-tolerant. Light spring fertilizer optional. Avoid excessive nitrogen which reduces ornamental quality.
Flowering
4-8 weeksProduces small, delicate flower spikes in spring to early summer; flowers are insignificant and are not the ornamental feature of this grass.
No special care needed for flowers. Some gardeners remove spent flower heads for neater appearance, though this is optional.
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 months (zone dependent)Foliage may take on bronze or reddish tones in cooler zones; growth slows significantly. Plant remains evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on zone.
Minimize water in winter months. Avoid pruning in late summer as this can stimulate tender new growth vulnerable to frost. Prune lightly in early spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Usually minor issue; use insecticidal soap if severe. Encourage natural predators like birds.
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected foliage. Fungicide spray if widespread.
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and
Copper tape barriers, hand removal, or slug pellets. Encourage ground beetles and toads.
Uses
Accent and Border Planting
OrnamentalWeeping grass serves as an elegant specimen plant or accent in shaded to part-sun gardens, creating graceful mounding form that softens hardscapes and complements shade plantings. Its fine texture contrasts beautifully with broad-leaved perennials and shrubs. [source]
Native Habitat for Australian Wildlife
WildlifeAs a native Australian grass, weeping grass provides habitat and food for native Australian insects and small animals in gardens. In non-native regions, it supports general beneficial insects including pollinators. [source]
Xeriscape and Low-Maintenance Gardening
HouseholdOnce established, weeping grass requires minimal water, fertilizer, and maintenance, making it ideal for drought-tolerant and sustainable garden designs with reduced environmental impact. Its low fertility needs reduce fertilizer application requirements. [source]
Cut Foliage for Arrangements
CraftThe delicate, graceful stems and fine foliage can be used fresh in floral arrangements and garden bouquets, providing elegant, airy texture to cut flower designs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Weeping grass is an ornamental rather than a harvested plant. Prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or damaged foliage and shape if desired. Do not cut back severely or remove more than one-third of foliage at once. Deadheading spent flower heads is optional for appearance. Avoid pruning in late summer.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Weeping grass is native to southeastern Australia and has been called 'Australian weeping grass' to distinguish it from unrelated grasses in other regions.
- 🌱 The scientific name Microlaena means 'small cloak' in Greek, referring to the delicate, fine-textured foliage that appears to drape gracefully like a soft garment.
- 🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, established weeping grass is remarkably drought-tolerant and requires significantly less water than many shade-loving perennials, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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