Species prairie dropseed
yellow-lime foliage

prairie dropseed

Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara'

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara') is a stunning ornamental grass that is a great choice for landscapes with warm climates, particularly in the Midwest. It grows up to 3 feet tall with clumps of fine, wispy leaves creating an elegant fountain shape. In the summer, it produces soft tan-colored flowers. The foliage of 'Tara' turns an attractive golden bronze in the fall. This grass is drought-tolerant and excels in sunny, dry spots with well-drained soil. It is quite attractive when used in mass plantings and can also be used as a border or a windbreak.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Pink and brown tinted Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara') should be watered regularly but lightly. During spring and summer, water in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Do not let the soil dry out, but remember that this grass prefers it to be well drained. Water it about once a week, or when the top inch of soil is dry. During the fall months, water it only if soil is completely dry. In winter, water only once a month unless the plants need more due to very dry conditions. Make sure the soil drains well and is not soggy to avoid root rot.

sunlight

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara') requires full sun for healthy growth. It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day and preferably more during the summer months. During the spring and summer, prairie dropseed requires a full 8 hours of direct sun. In the fall and winter, however, this plant can survive with just 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. It is important to note that during the height of summer (July-August) it may be beneficial to provide some light shade for the plant, such as by planting it in a spot that receives partial shade late in the afternoon.

pruning

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara') plants should be pruned at the beginning of summer when new growth appears. Focus on pruning any dead, diseased, or broken branches, as well as reducing the size of the plant to improve its shape or encourage bushier growth. When pruning, take off up to a third of each branch, making sure to not cut too close to the base of the stem. Removing more than a third of the branches may cause the plant to weaken or reduce flowering. Depending on how much pruning is needed, it is recommended to prune in stages to spread out the shock of the pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Prairie dropseed typically starts flowering in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map