Vetiver Chrysopogon zizanioides
Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is an evergreen perennial grass in the Poaceae family, native to India. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -9 °C (16 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Vetiver in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Vetiver at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 3.5–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -9 °C (16 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 50 °C (122 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | India |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Vetiver toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Vetiver
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Vetiver
- How far apart should I plant Vetiver?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Vetiver need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Vetiver need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Vetiver?
- It tolerates about -9 °C (16 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Vetiver flower?
- From about September for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Vetiver poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Vetiver?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Vetiver. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
Notes and assumptions
- Roots grow straight down 3 m or more; planted as hedges to stop soil erosion. Sterile cultivars (e.g. ‘Sunshine’) do not spread by seed.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium