Kus-Kus, Cuscus, Vetiver , Vetiveria zizanioides
Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) is a warm season, perennial bunchgrass with erect culms, up to 8 ft. tall (180 cm), arising from aromatic rhizomes. The leaves are narrow, erect, stiff, up to 10 ft. long. Panicles of brownish-purple flowers, 6 in. long (15 cm), with awnless spikelets appear in summer. The root system is incredibly massive and can reach depths of over 10 ft. (3 m). There are two types of Vetiver: an infertile domesticated type (Sunshine) and a fertile wild type. The fertile wild type is a problematic invasive species that is listed as invasive in China, Fiji, Costa Rica, Anguilla and the Philippines. The domesticated type has many uses. It is an excellent option for soil and water conservation, thanks to its dense root system. As a result, it can be used as a dense hedge to control erosion. Vetiver is also used for wastewater treatment and rehabilitation of old mines. It has a high tolerance to most heavy metals and an ability to remove from soil and water large quantities of excess nitrates, phosphates and farm chemicals. Vetiver is cultivated for the oil extracted from its aromatic roots. About 90% of all western perfumes contain vetiver oil, including the famous French perfume, Chanel No. 5. Its essential oil is an ingredient in pharmacological and cosmetic products. Finally, Vetiver is used in traditional medicine and as insect repellent.
| Hardiness |
8 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
| Plant Family | Poaceae |
| Common names | Cuscus, Vetiver |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
| Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
| Spacing | 36" - 72" (90cm - 180cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
| Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Coastal Garden |
| Hardiness |
8 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
| Plant Family | Poaceae |
| Common names | Cuscus, Vetiver |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
| Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
| Spacing | 36" - 72" (90cm - 180cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
| Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Coastal Garden |
How many Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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