Vetiver Grass

Chrysopogon zizanioides

Slow to take hold anywhere cool, and young plants need covering before hard frost — patience is most of what it costs.

Light Full sun throughout.
Water Drought-tolerant once established.
Height 1.5 m
Spread 23.6 in
Spacing 60 cm

Spacing & sowing

Plant spacing
23.6 in
In-row spacing
23.6 in
Between rows
2 ft 6 in
Square-foot density
Not suited to SFG

Growing

Type
Grass · Perennial
Botanical family
Mixed / other
Sunlight
Full sun throughout.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established.
Feeding
A light feed in the first year only.
Frost tolerant
Yes
Flowering
July
Pruning
Cut back to 10-15 cm in early spring.

Through the year

  • Mar–Jul Spring Growth
  • Jul–Sep Flowering
  • Sep–Dec Growing
  • Dec–Dec Winter Dormancy
  • Jan–Mar Winter Dormancy

Companions

Lemongrass, Ylang Ylang, Comfrey, Pineapple Sage