Photo: William HarmonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Lehmann Lovegrass Plant Care
Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking red or purplish tint, the leaves of this grass plant stand out in any garden. Originating from South Africa, Eragrostis lehmanniana is sought after by plant collectors for its unique coloring and ability to add a pop of color to any landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Lehmann Lovegrass?
Water Lehmann Lovegrass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Lehmann Lovegrass Native To?
What Is the Lehmann Lovegrass?
Lehmann Lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Eragrostis genus. Lehmann Lovegrass is native to southern Africa.
Lehmann Lovegrass displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Lehmann Lovegrass produces small, inconspicuous flowers in terminal panicles.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lehmann Lovegrass?
Eragrostis lehmanniana requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lehmann Lovegrass Need?
Lehmann Lovegrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lehmann Lovegrass Prefer?
Eragrostis lehmanniana grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Lehmann Lovegrass prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lehmann Lovegrass?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Lehmann Lovegrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lehmann Lovegrass?
Feed Lehmann Lovegrass every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Lehmann Lovegrass?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Lehmann Lovegrass?
Lehmann Lovegrass can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to small lovegrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lehmann Lovegrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lehmann Lovegrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lehmann Lovegrass?
Lehmann Lovegrass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lehmann Lovegrass Need?
Lehmann Lovegrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Lehmann Lovegrass is native to southern Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Lehmann Lovegrass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Eragrostis genus — compare its care with other Eragrostis species on PlantoScan.
Eragrostis is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Lehmann Lovegrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eragrostis Species
Other Eragrostis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees, family Poaceae (first published in Fl. Afr. Austral. Ill. : 402 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lehmann Lovegrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: William Harmon, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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