Prairie dropseed typically starts flowering in late June or early July.
prairie dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara'
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.