American beakgrain

American beakgrain should be watered once a week, using enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil but not enough to cause it to be saturated. During active periods of growth, extra watering may be necessary. Soil should dry between waterings for optimal growth.

American beakgrass (Diarrhena obovata) thrives in full sun. This plant species prefers direct sunlight for most of the day, usually between 8-10 hours during peak summertime, and it should receive at least 4 hours of full sun a day. It tolerates some shade, but may become leggy and suffer from reduced flowering when grown in shade. In cooler climates, it grows best in part shade during hot summer months. Full sun exposure should be provided in the early morning or late afternoon.

American beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata) should be pruned in the spring, just prior to its new growth cycle beginning. This will encourage the plant to branch and bush out, creating a fuller and more compact growth habit. Depending on where they are planted, pruning may need to be done regularly to keep the shrub from overgrowing its space. Light pruning should be done annually if needed, and more aggressive pruning should be done every 3 to 4 years, removing up to 1 third of the stems and branches down to their bases to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth.