Contents
Description
Eragrostis Atrovirens, commonly known as Red Lovegrass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to North America. It is a member of the Poaceae family and is a popular landscaping plant due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eragrostis |
Appearance
Eragrostis Atrovirens grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has long, slender leaves that are a blue-green color and turn reddish-brown in the fall. The stems of this grass are a reddish-brown color and are topped with clusters of small, purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant also produces seed heads that turn a pale brown color as they mature.
Care Guide
Water
Eragrostis Atrovirens prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently. Water the plant once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.
Fertilization
Fertilize Eragrostis Atrovirens once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to package instructions.
Soil
This grass prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is heavy clay or compacted, amend it with organic matter before planting.
Sunlight
Eragrostis Atrovirens prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade.
Hardiness Zones
This grass is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eragrostis Atrovirens is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Eragrostis Atrovirens is native to the Great Plains of North America and can be found growing in prairies, savannas, and open woods. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Eragrostis Atrovirens grow?
A: Eragrostis Atrovirens can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Eragrostis Atrovirens?
A: Fertilize Eragrostis Atrovirens once a year in the spring.
Q: Is Eragrostis Atrovirens susceptible to pests and diseases?
A: Eragrostis Atrovirens is relatively pest and disease resistant, but can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot.
Q: What type of soil does Eragrostis Atrovirens prefer?
A: Eragrostis Atrovirens prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Related Plants
- Eragrostis Capillaris
- Eragrostis Curvula
- Eragrostis Frankii
- Eragrostis Tef
References
- “Eragrostis Atrovirens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 12 August 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m180.
- “Eragrostis Atrovirens.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 12 August 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eragrostis-atrovirens/.
- “Red Lovegrass.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. Accessed 12 August 2021. https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/files/80189.pdf.
