Eliminating Torpedo Grass from Flower Beds

Identify the Enemy

Your description—dense, deep rhizomes, regrows after tilling—matches torpedo grass (Panicum repens), a notoriously invasive perennial grass.

Chemical Control Options

• Glyphosate (non-selective): Apply at low rate (1 oz 41% concentrate/gal) every 10 days while green growth is present. Low rate allows translocation to deep rhizomes. Repeat until no regrowth.
• Fluazifop (grass-selective): Kills grasses only; safe over most broadleaf flowers. Read label carefully—confirm your ornamentals are listed as tolerant. Apply at label rate, repeat as needed.

Critical Rules

1. Never dig or chop—stimulates more vigorous regrowth.
2. Keep foliage alive between treatments to absorb herbicide.
3. Treat regrowth weekly once main stand is suppressed.
4. Expect a multi-season battle; rhizome energy reserves are massive.

Patience and precision win this war.