Weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is a versatile warm-season perennial grass valued for its ornamental appeal and effectiveness in erosion control. It thrives in challenging conditions, making it a popular choice for various landscape applications. Understanding its specific maintenance needs ensures optimal health and a desirable appearance.
Understanding Weeping Love Grass
Weeping lovegrass is a rapidly growing warm-season bunchgrass, characterized by its clumping growth habit and distinctive fine texture. The plant’s common name comes from its long, narrow leaves that emerge from a tight tuft and arch gracefully, giving it a “weeping” appearance. These leaves typically remain under 12 inches tall, while the slender flower stalks can reach heights of 30 to 40 inches, topped with open, airy seed heads.
This resilient grass is drought tolerant once established. Its extensive, deep root system, which can penetrate up to 15 feet, provides soil stabilization, making it a primary choice for erosion control on slopes, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Weeping lovegrass is also used in meadow plantings and as an ornamental grass in landscapes due to its low-maintenance qualities after establishment.
Establishing Weeping Love Grass
Successful establishment of weeping lovegrass begins with proper site selection and soil preparation. This grass thrives in full sun exposure, requiring at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, including those with low fertility, it prefers well-draining, light-textured soils such as sandy loams. Weeping lovegrass does not tolerate standing water and can experience chlorosis or plant death in severely alkaline soils or those high in sodium.
The most favorable time for planting weeping lovegrass is in the spring after the danger of severe frost has passed, or throughout the summer, ensuring consistent temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. For planting from seed, a clean and firm seedbed is recommended, with seeds sown at a shallow depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Mixing the fine seeds with a carrier like cornmeal or sand aids in uniform distribution, and cultipacking the soil after seeding can improve germination. If planting plugs or potted plants, ensure proper spacing to allow for mature growth, and provide consistent moisture immediately after planting to support initial root development.
Routine Care
Once established, weeping lovegrass is known for its drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering. While it can withstand dry conditions, regular, deep watering during prolonged dry spells promotes healthier growth and vibrant color. Watering once a week, or more frequently in hot climates, may be necessary until roots are well-established. Check the soil moisture by pressing a finger a few inches deep to indicate when watering is needed, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Weeping lovegrass generally has low fertilizer requirements and can thrive even in soils with limited nutrients. If growth appears sparse or yellow, a balanced fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the active growing season to encourage vitality. Avoiding excessive fertilization helps maintain the plant’s natural resilience and prevents overly lush growth that might become susceptible to lodging.
Pruning and Winterization
Pruning weeping lovegrass helps maintain its appearance, promotes new growth, and can reduce self-seeding. The optimal time for cutting back this perennial bunchgrass is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth emerges. This timing allows the dried foliage to provide some insulation during colder months while preparing the plant for a vigorous flush of green. Using sharp hand pruners or hedge trimmers, the grass can be cut back to a few inches above ground level.
Leaving the spent flower heads and foliage through winter can offer seasonal interest and provide habitat for wildlife. While extensive winter protection is typically not required due to its general hardiness, extremely low temperatures can sometimes cause dieback, especially with rapid temperature drops. In such cases, the plant may behave as a short-lived perennial or even an annual, regrowing from seed. Trimming back dead or damaged foliage as it appears throughout the year maintains the plant’s overall health and aesthetic.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Weeping lovegrass is generally a robust and resilient plant, but certain conditions can lead to issues. Yellowing foliage, for instance, might indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly if the soil is extremely poor, or it could signal overwatering and poor drainage. Ensuring the soil dries out between waterings and applying a minimal, balanced fertilizer if needed can address these concerns. Sparse growth can also be a symptom of inadequate sunlight, as the grass thrives in full sun conditions.
While weeping lovegrass is noted for its resistance to pests and diseases, it is not entirely immune. Fungal issues can arise in overly wet conditions, particularly if air circulation is poor or if the plant is subjected to prolonged periods of humidity. Ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overhead irrigation can help mitigate these risks. If growth appears stunted or discolored despite appropriate cultural practices, examining the root zone for signs of rot or stress may be beneficial.