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Vetiveria zizanioides (Vetiver)

Other names: Cuscus, Khas khas, Khuskhus, Khus khus grass, Sevendara grass, Vetiveria zizanoides, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Andropogon zizanioides, Phalaris zizanioides, Anatherum zizanioides, Andropogon odoratus

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Species
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.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
2 m 1.2 m 2-5 years
6 ft 3 ft 2-5 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Clay
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
  • South
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

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.

Suggested uses

Banks and Slopes, Containers/Patio, Architectural, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, City, Drought Tolerant, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance

UK hardiness

H4

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Moderate/Medium
Central Valley = Moderate/Medium
South Coastal = Moderate/Medium
South Inland = Low
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Erect, Clump-forming

Native to

India

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Cut back in late winter or early spring.

Propagation methods

Seed

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.

Pests

Diseases

Plant container grown plants in deep fertile, well-drained soil

Divide and replant in spring

Plant in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils

Cut back to base (optional)

Plant container grown plants in a sunny postion

Sow seeds in containers with heat (spring)

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (1)

Vetiveria

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Vetiveria zizanioides
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Vetiveria zizanioides Vetiver
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Companion plants (0)

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