Grass
Purple Top Grass
Tridens flavus
Varieties We Carry
StandardTridens flavus
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$9.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun to Partial Shade
WaterLow
Mature size3-5 feet × 2-3 feet
About Purple Top Grass
A tall native warm-season bunchgrass featuring linear green leaves and showy, open panicles of reddish-purple spikelets that emerge in late summer and persist through fall, creating an airy purple haze especially effective in mass plantings. The oily seeds are a valuable food source for birds and small mammals. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Purple
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Well-drained
Care essentials
Light
Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade; best purple color and most prolific panicles are produced in full sun in NE Florida landscapes.
Water
Drought tolerant once established; does not need supplemental irrigation in NE Florida's summer rainfall pattern. Avoid overwatering, which causes floppy, weak growth.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adapts to sandy, loamy, or clay soils; prefers lean conditions and does not require fertilization. Cut clumps back in late winter and divide every few years to maintain vigor.
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Winged Loosestrife
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Common questions
Is Purple Top Grass a good plant for St. Augustine?
Purple Top Grass is a grass for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-5 feet × 2-3 feet.