Purple Three Awn

Plant Type: grass
Plant Height: 1-3 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Flower Color: purple to reddish-brown
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

Purple Three Awn is a perennial grass native to North America, especially common in arid and semi-arid regions. It is known for its fine, delicate texture and striking color, which can range from purple to a reddish-brown, depending on environmental conditions.

One of the most unique features of this grass is its seed heads, which are composed of three awns (bristles) that spread out in different directions. These awns are not only visually interesting but also play a role in the plant's seed dispersal. As the seeds mature, the awns twist and untwist with changes in humidity, aiding in the distribution of seeds over a wider area.

Purple Three Awn is a low-growing grass, forming tufts or clumps. Its foliage is typically narrow and blue-green in color, providing a fine-textured appearance. The contrast between the foliage and the colorful awns makes it a visually appealing addition to a variety of landscapes.

This grass is highly valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils. It is often used in native plant gardens, xeriscaping, and as an ornamental feature in dry landscapes. Its resilience and low water requirements make it a sustainable choice for gardens in regions with limited rainfall.

Purple Three Awn also provides ecological benefits. It offers habitat and food for wildlife, and its root system helps in soil stabilization, making it useful for erosion control.

For gardeners seeking to add texture, color, and movement to their landscape, Purple Three Awn is an excellent choice. Its unique appearance, adaptability to challenging environments, and minimal maintenance requirements make it a desirable plant for both aesthetic and ecological landscaping purposes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Purple Three Awn

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1-2 feet apart for compact growth or as a ground cover
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Purple Three Awn is a low-growing grass that requires no staking and works well as a filler or ground cover plant

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Purple Three Awn is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 7-10 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks