Northern Sweetgrass

Northern Sweetgrass needs to be watered regularly and should never dry out completely; however, it is sensitive to over-watering. Water Northern Sweetgrass 2 to 3 times per week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings. If you notice the leaves wilting or if the soil starts to feel dry to the touch, it is time to water. In hot dry weather, water more frequently.

Northern Sweetgrass, also known as Anthoxanthum hirtum, prefers full sun and moderate to dry soils, except in wetter climates where partial shade is recommended. This species is a sun-loving grass that flourishes in 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It also thrives in a range of climates, from cold climates to warmer climates, and it requires a lot of warmth for good growth. Northern Sweetgrass does well with a medium watering schedule; it should be watered frequently enough to keep the soil moist but not saturated. For best results, it will need to be provided with at least an inch of water a week during its active growing season, including frequent misting in very hot areas. It also requires fertile, well-draining soil. If the soil becomes poor, it should be amended by adding organic matter.

Northern sweetgrass should be pruned regularly to keep its shape and encourage new growth. Generally, it should be pruned in late spring or early summer. Start pruning when the plant is about 1 foot tall and bushy – this allows the plant to spread and grow without becoming too overgrown. Remove up to 1-third of the tallest stems and stalks. You may need to prune it several times over the growing season to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Don’t be afraid to prune it back too much, as it is a very resilient grass. In addition to pruning, it’s important to deadhead the flower stalks once they bloom and begin to fade. This will allow the plant to refocus its energy in growing new shoots.