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Vetiveria zizanioides (Vetiver)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
2m
Max height
Max height
1.2m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Vetiveria zizanioides
Other names
Vetiver, Cuscus, Khas khas, Khuskhus, Khus khus grass, Sevendara grass, Vetiveria zizanoides, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Andropogon zizanioides, Phalaris zizanioides, Anatherum zizanioides, Andropogon odoratus
Genus
Vetiveria Vetiveria
Species
V. zizanioides - V. zizanioides is a vigorous, clump-forming, tender, perennial grass, often grown as an annual, with erect stems bearing linear, mid-green leaves and spikes of purple-brown flowers in summer.
Vetiveria zizanioides is: Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect
Flower
Purple in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Cut back in late winter or early spring.
Propagation
Has the potential to be invasive in introduced areas, spreading by rhizomes or seed. A sterile and non-invasive cultivar, 'Sunshine', should be used in non-native areas.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Vetiveria zizanioides (Vetiver) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Grows in a wide range of soil conditions in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates drought and long periods of waterlogged or submerged conditions. Site carefully as roots grow very deep, making it an excellent choice for soil stabilisation. Vetiver is widely cultivated for the fragrant essential oil distilled from its roots. It is also used as a flavouring agent.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Vetiveria zizanioides
Other names
Vetiver, Cuscus, Khas khas, Khuskhus, Khus khus grass, Sevendara grass, Vetiveria zizanoides, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Andropogon zizanioides, Phalaris zizanioides, Anatherum zizanioides, Andropogon odoratus
Genus
Vetiveria Vetiveria
Species
V. zizanioides - V. zizanioides is a vigorous, clump-forming, tender, perennial grass, often grown as an annual, with erect stems bearing linear, mid-green leaves and spikes of purple-brown flowers in summer.
Native to
India
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect
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Colour
Flower
Purple in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in All seasons
General care
Pruning
Cut back in late winter or early spring.
Propagation
Has the potential to be invasive in introduced areas, spreading by rhizomes or seed. A sterile and non-invasive cultivar, 'Sunshine', should be used in non-native areas.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Vetiveria zizanioides (Vetiver) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Grows in a wide range of soil conditions in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates drought and long periods of waterlogged or submerged conditions. Site carefully as roots grow very deep, making it an excellent choice for soil stabilisation. Vetiver is widely cultivated for the fragrant essential oil distilled from its roots. It is also used as a flavouring agent.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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