Origin
Eragrostis sarmentosa (Thunb.) Trin., also known as Weeping Lovegrass or Hijsganze-gras is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to Southern Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Weeping Lovegrass due to its drooping appearance or Hijsganze-gras, which means 'raising goose grass' in Dutch, referring to the fact that the plant resembles a goose raising its wings.
Uses
Eragrostis sarmentosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It can also be used in erosion control due to its extensive root system that helps hold soil in place. Additionally, the grass is suitable for pasture and hay production.
General Appearance
Weeping Lovegrass is a perennial grass that grows up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are narrow, about 2-9mm wide, and about 10-25cm long. The flowering stems of the grass are drooping, hence the name 'weeping', and bear delicate, fluffy panicles of flowers towards the end. The flowering period is from October to March, and the fruits are small caryopsis, with an average length of 1mm.
Light Requirements
Eragrostis sarmentosa requires full sun exposure for optimum growth. It cannot tolerate shade or low-light conditions. Therefore, it should be planted in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Eragrostis sarmentosa grows best in warm and hot climates. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 15°C to 40°C, but it prefers temperatures between 24°C and 32°C. The plant does not tolerate frost and needs to be protected during the winter in colder regions.
Soil Requirements
The soil where Eragrostis sarmentosa is planted should be well-drained and fertile. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0. This plant can grow in various soil types such as loamy, sandy, clayey, or chalky soils. However, it does not thrive in waterlogged, saline, or alkaline soils.
Cultivation methods
Eragrostis sarmentosa, commonly known as Love grass, is a hardy and adaptable plant that can be cultivated in a range of growing conditions. It is a warm-season grass that requires a sunny location to thrive. When planting, it is advisable to space the seedlings at least 12 to 18 inches apart to give them enough room to grow. The plant prefers well-draining soils, and the soil should be loosened to a depth of 6 to 8 inches before planting.
Watering needs
Love grass requires moderate watering during its growing season, which is from spring to late fall. It is important to keep the soil moist but not soggy as over-watering can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. In hot and dry weather, increase the frequency of watering to keep the soil from drying out completely.
Fertilization
Love grass is moderately fertilized, and a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Fertilize the plant in the early growing season, in late spring, with a slow-release fertilizer. The plant does not require regular fertilization, but when the color of the foliage starts to fade, it is time to fertilize.
Pruning
Eragrostis sarmentosa requires minimum pruning, and the plant's natural shape is attractive enough on its own. However, you can prune it annually in late winter or early spring to remove any dead foliage or improve its aesthetics. Remove damaged, diseased, or discolored stems, and trim back any unwanted growth. Pruning helps to promote new growth and helps maintain the overall health of the plant.
Propagation of Eragrostis sarmentosa
Eragrostis sarmentosa, also known as love grass, is an ornamental grass that can be propagated by either seed or division.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed is simple and affordable. Collect ripe seedheads and remove the seeds from them. The best time to sow seeds is during the spring season. Cover the seeds with soil and water well. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Propagation by division is best done during spring or early summer. Dig up the entire clump of the plant, gently separate the roots into small sections and replant each division in well-draining soil. Water the divisions well and do not let them dry out until they are well-established.
Eragrostis sarmentosa thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once in spring and once in summer. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
Disease Management
Eragrostis sarmentosa is generally resistant to most diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant include rusts, leaf spots, and root rot.
To manage rusts and leaf spots, remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Treat the plant with a copper-based fungicide before symptoms appear to prevent further damage. Ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and receives adequate sunlight and air circulation.
Root rot is usually caused by poorly drained soils and can be managed by improving soil drainage. Avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that it is not sitting in stagnant water. If root rot persists, the plant may need to be removed and replanted in a new location with well-drained soil.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Eragrostis sarmentosa include mites, aphids, and grasshoppers. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant if left untreated.
To manage mites and aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and apply the treatment on a calm, cloudy day to avoid evaporative loss.
Grasshoppers can be managed by removing any nearby weeds that may harbor them and placing a physical barrier, such as a net or fence, around the plant to keep them away. You can also apply a bait made from molasses and bran to lure the grasshoppers away from the plant.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pests and diseases can help to identify and manage any issues before they become severe and cause irreversible damage.
