Eragrostis minor
Eragrostis minor · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant eragrostis minor: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, fine and airy
- Flowering
- July to September, purplish-brown spikelets
- Adult size
- 30 to 50 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (warm to temperate climate)
- Origin
- West Africa, tropical and subtropical regions
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor soils
Care
Watering
Eragrostis minor appreciates moderate watering during the growing season, especially in warm weather. Reduce water in autumn and limit it in winter. Make sure the soil doesn't become waterlogged to prevent root rot. Once or twice a week is sufficient under normal conditions.
Light exposure
This grass prefers full sun for dense growth and beautiful flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will be less full. Place it in a bright, well-ventilated spot, avoiding areas that are too humid and confined.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential for this species. Eragrostis minor tolerates poor and light soils; a potting mix combined with sand or gravel will improve drainage. Avoid clay or waterlogged soils at all costs.
Pruning and cutting
Prune the clump in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back to 10-15 cm from the ground to encourage vigorous regrowth. During the season, remove any dead or damaged parts to maintain a neat appearance.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is usually sufficient. This grass is not demanding and tolerates poor soils. Excess nitrogen may weaken the clump structure; keep fertilizing light and infrequent.
Diseases and pests
Eragrostis minor is rarely affected by diseases if drainage is good. Excessive moisture promotes rot and fungi. Regularly inspect the foliage and remove any affected parts. When grown in pots, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Although little known in Western horticulture, Eragrostis minor is a highly drought-resistant grass native to arid regions of Africa. Its scientific name comes from the Greek 'era' (love) and 'agrostis' (grass): early botanists called it this for its ornamental delicacy. It attracts pollinators and provides food for seed-eating birds in late summer.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.