January Perennial of the Month-Elliot’s love grass

Winter is a great time to analyze structure and form in a garden-the “bones” in a sense. Winter interest plants shine this time of year, and one of the top perennials for winter performance are the grasses. Eragrostis elliottii, commonly known as Field love grass, Elliot’s love grass or lovegrass, is one of the many grasses planted at the new entrance to the Missouri Botanical Garden. It’s here, in winter, when you can really compare the grasses among the other plants with winter interest.

Love grass isn’t as showy as last November’s reed grass (November Perennial of the Month-Reed Grass), but it has merits, like the blue-green foliage and delicate textured foliage. Growing 1-3′ high and wide, Elliot’s love grass’s billowing, rounded habit is visually appealing and a good choice for smaller gardens or containers as long as it gets full sun and well-drained soil. In more extensive mass plantings, the effect is stunning, and if you love the prairie look, the clumping habit of lovegrass plays well with other perennial natives for a Piet Oudolf feel.

Cultivars with bluer foliage are available, like ‘Wind Dancer’ and BLUER THAN YOU. However, keep in mind that love grass is native to the southeastern region of the U.S., which puts St. Louis right at the fringe of its range and hardiness. Be wary of exposed sites and know that any Zone 6 plant is still a gamble in the Lou. BLUER THAN YOU is rated zone 8 and should only be used as an annual in the Midwest.

Like other ornamental grasses, an annual haircut in early spring or late winter is beneficial before the new foliage starts to emerge. I consider this a low-maintenance plant.

What I like about this plant;

-The fine texture and blue-green color.

-The rounded habit and smaller size.

-Great winter interest.

-Native to the SE U.S.

-Low maintenance.

-Drought tolerant once established.

What’s not so great;

-Not a long-lived perennial, especially in the Midwest. Keep it in a protected area or treat it as an annual.

-Can get a bit floppy, especially after a good rain or heavy snow.

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Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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