Purple Needlegrass Plant Care
Nassella pulchra (Hitchc.) Barkworth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nassella pulchra, basionym Stipa pulchra, is a species of grass known by the common names purple needlegrass and purple tussockgrass. It is native to the U.S.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–90°F
30–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Purple Needlegrass?
Water Purple Needlegrass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C) and 30–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Purple Needlegrass?
Purple Needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Nassella genus. Purple Needlegrass is native to the U.
Purple Needlegrass displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Purple Needlegrass produces small, inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Purple Needlegrass?
Nassella pulchra 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 Purple Needlegrass Need?
Purple Needlegrass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Purple Needlegrass Prefer?
Nassella pulchra grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Purple Needlegrass prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
30–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Purple Needlegrass?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Purple Needlegrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Purple Needlegrass?
Feed Purple Needlegrass every 8 months 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 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Purple Needlegrass?
Repot 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 Purple Needlegrass?
Purple Needlegrass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mexican feather grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Purple Needlegrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Purple Needlegrass, 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 Purple Needlegrass?
Purple Needlegrass is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, 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 Purple Needlegrass Need?
Purple Needlegrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Purple Needlegrass is native to the U. In cooler regions, grow Purple Needlegrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Purple Needlegrass 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 Nassella genus — compare its care with other Nassella species on PlantoScan.
Nassella is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Purple Needlegrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Nassella Species
Other Nassella species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nassella pulchra (Hitchc.) Barkworth, family Poaceae (first published in Taxon 39(4): 611 (1990):.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Purple Needlegrass, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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