Elliott’s Lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii), is a Florida native ornamental grass that tolerates a wide range of conditions but loves our sandy island soil. This cultivar of Lovegrass grows in tufted clumps with thin stiff leaves. It likes full sun and will also tolerate light shade conditions. It is a very drought tolerant plant and once it is established, needs little supplemental watering.
Lovegrass is a good plant to use for erosion control as it can be planted on steep slopes and other difficult conditions in the landscape. This type of Lovegrass has almost a blueish color in the leaves, is very easy to grow and makes great cover for small birds and animals. This plant looks great in native gardens as a border plant or in massed plantings. It also adds interest to native wildflower gardens as well. Elliott’s Lovegrass will only reach a size of about 2’ x 2’ making it a nice choice for a small area.
This plant column is a joint effort by all at In The Garden, Sanibel’s garden center, located at 3889 Sanibel Captiva Rd., Sanibel, Florida.