Vetiver Grass

Vetiver grass is a multi-purpose plant used in tropical agroforestry schemes around the world. It has been promoted for soil restoration, slope stabilization and other farm uses. The plant is famous for it’s deep root system which does not spread much laterally and can go ~10 feet deep and hold steep embankments from eroding away. It can also hold pond embankments in place if planted above the water line. The tops of the plant make a durable mulch and it can be planted adjacent to gardens to grow mulch in place. Plants can be cut multiple times a year for mulch harvests. Vetiver grass is also farmed for the essential oils which can be extracted from the aromatic roots which is even processed into perfume by Chanel. Unlike many bunching grasses, vetiver grass never spreads beyond its tight clump to become a weed because the types in cultivation are sterile. Vetiver is extremely tolerant of poor soil fertility and drought.

We ship freshly dug divisions.  These divisions are cut back, which is the best practice for clumping grass propagation.  In good garden conditions these may perform well directly planted.  Our recommendation is to grow out divisions in pots to increase chances of success, then transplant later.

Listing is for 5 divisions with each division including 2 or 3 tillers (grass stems). Chrysopogon zizanioides.