Vetiver Grass - vetiveria zizanioides

Appearance
Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanoides) is a vigorous, clumping perennial known for its fine, dark green leaves that grow in dense tufts. It produces small, purple flowers on tall spikes in late summer.

Use
This versatile grass is widely used for soil erosion control, water filtration, and as a natural pest repellent. Vetiver grass is also valued for its fragrant roots, which are used in perfumes and essential oils.

Preferred Climate
Vetiveria zizanoides thrives in warm, subtropical to tropical climates, making it well-suited for most of Australia's coastal and inland regions. It is frost-sensitive, so protect it during cold winters.

Best Position and Soil Type
Vetiver grass prefers a sunny position with well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, or loamy soils, and even light salinity.

Mature Height and Width
Vetiver grass can reach a mature height of 1-1.5 meters with a spread of up to 1 meter, forming a dense clump ideal for erosion control or as a striking garden feature.

Care
These are young tubestock plants and will require regular watering until established. Once mature, Vetiveria zizanoides is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Trim back dead or damaged foliage to encourage fresh growth, and divide clumps every few years to maintain plant health.

Image credit atel, CC BY-SA 4.0 Creative Commons, via Wikimedia Commons