Weeping Love Grass Seeds

Weeping Love Grass is one of the most graceful ornamental grasses available, admired for its elegant fountain-like form and remarkable ability to create movement in the landscape. Native to southern Africa, this warm-season grass produces dense mounds of fine-textured foliage that arch outward in all directions, creating the appearance of a living green waterfall.

As summer progresses, delicate flowering stems emerge above the foliage, adding a soft haze of color and texture. The combination of graceful foliage and airy flower panicles makes Weeping Love Grass one of the most visually soothing grasses in the ornamental garden.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Eragrostis curvula
• Common Names: Weeping Love Grass, African Love Grass
• Plant Type: Warm-Season Ornamental Grass
• Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet
• Mature Spread: 3 to 5 feet
• Growth Rate: Fast
• USDA Zones: 5 to 10
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil

Container Growing

Weeping Love Grass performs exceptionally well in large containers where its cascading foliage can be appreciated from all sides.

• Use containers at least 16 to 20 inches deep.
• Provide excellent drainage.
• Use a quality potting mix.
• Place in full sun for best growth.
• Allow the foliage to arch naturally over the edges of the container.

Its graceful form makes it one of the finest ornamental grasses for patios, decks, and garden courtyards.

Landscape Uses

• Container gardens
• Xeriscape landscapes
• Prairie gardens
• Erosion control plantings
• Mass plantings
• Roadside beautification
• Naturalistic landscapes

Its fountain-like habit provides outstanding contrast with broad-leaved shrubs and flowering perennials.

Germination Information

• Sow seeds on the soil surface or lightly cover.
• Maintain temperatures between 70°F and 85°F.
• Keep evenly moist during germination.
• Provide bright light.
• Germination generally occurs within 7 to 21 days.

Seedlings establish quickly and develop attractive clumps during their first growing season.

Growing Information

• Plant in full sun.
• Tolerates poor soils.
• Requires little supplemental watering once established.
• Highly heat tolerant.
• Cut back old growth in late winter.

This species thrives under conditions that challenge many traditional landscape plants.

Pollinator and Wildlife Value

Dense clumps provide shelter for birds and beneficial insects, while mature plants offer nesting materials and habitat structure throughout the growing season.

Deer Resistance

Weeping Love Grass is generally considered highly deer resistant and is frequently planted in areas where browsing pressure is a concern.

Drought Tolerance

One of the most drought-tolerant ornamental grasses available, Weeping Love Grass remains attractive through extended periods of heat and dry weather.

Historical and Cultural Tidbits

Native to southern Africa, Weeping Love Grass was introduced into many parts of the world because of its remarkable drought tolerance and ability to stabilize soils. During the twentieth century, it became widely used in erosion-control projects and highway beautification programs.

Its ability to quickly establish extensive root systems made it particularly valuable for preventing soil loss on slopes and disturbed sites.

Over time, gardeners discovered that beyond its practical uses, it possessed exceptional ornamental qualities, leading to its widespread adoption in landscape design.

Botanical Facts

• The genus Eragrostis contains more than 350 species.
• The species name curvula refers to the curved or arching foliage.
• Individual plants can develop root systems several feet deep.
• The flower panicles often develop soft purple, bronze, or tan tones.
• Foliage remains attractive throughout much of the growing season.

Interesting Fact

A mature specimen can contain thousands of individual leaves, all arching outward from the center of the plant. Even the slightest breeze causes the entire mound to ripple and flow, creating a mesmerizing display of movement that inspired the common name "Weeping Love Grass."

Seedman Note

Few ornamental grasses combine elegance and toughness as successfully as Weeping Love Grass. Its graceful fountain shape, exceptional drought tolerance, and ability to create movement in the garden make it a valuable addition to both formal and naturalistic landscapes. It is especially effective in containers where its cascading form can be fully appreciated.

Ornamental Grass Rating: ★★★★★

An exceptionally graceful ornamental grass offering flowing fountain-like foliage, outstanding drought tolerance, and year-round landscape beauty.