Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a versatile, drought-tolerant grass native to the prairies and savannas of central North America. With its graceful, fountain-like shape and attractive seed heads, prairie dropseed makes an excellent addition to gardens, meadows, and natural landscapes. Growing prairie dropseed is relatively easy, but providing proper care ensures the grass thrives. Here is a detailed guide on how to grow and care for prairie dropseed.
Introduction to Prairie Dropseed
Prairie dropseed is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass that grows 2-3 feet tall and wide. The slender, arching foliage turns gold or orange-gold in fall. Prairie dropseed is best known for its airy, tan flower plumes that emerge in late summer. The fine textured plumes remain attractive well into winter.
Some key facts about prairie dropseed:
- Zones: 4-9
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance
- Does not spread aggressively
- Deer resistant and salt tolerant
- Provides food and shelter for birds
With its adaptability and ornamental qualities, prairie dropseed makes an excellent option for gardens, meadowscapes, prairie plantings,POTENTIAL HEADING: How to Select Prairie Dropseed Plants or Seeds
How to Select Prairie Dropseed Plants or Seeds
Prairie dropseed can be established from container plants, bare root plants, plugs or seeds. Here are some tips for selection:
- Purchase from a reputable native plant nursery – To ensure you get plants or seeds of native origin, always buy from a reliable source.
- Choose nursery-grown container or bare root plants for faster establishment – Compared to seeds, established plants will fill in quickly. Select young but well-rooted plants showing no signs of root-binding.
- Consider plugs for easier planting – Plug trays contain small starter plants that transplant readily into garden beds.
- Purchase certified seed for optimal germination – Look for fresh prairie dropseed seed harvested in the past year and check for a high germination rate.
- Procure local ecotype seed or plants when possible – Ecotypes are genetically adapted to local growing conditions. This helps maximize hardiness and performance.
How to Plant Prairie Dropseed
Prairie dropseed adapts readily when planted properly in the garden. Here are some planting guidelines:
Site Selection
- Choose a site with full sun – Prairie dropseed thrives best in a sunny spot. At minimum, provide 6 hours of direct sun per day.
- Well-drained soil is ideal – Good drainage is more important than soil nutrients. Avoid soggy, compacted soils.
- Prepare the planting area by removing existing vegetation and amending the soil with compost if needed.
Planting Plugs or Container Plants
- Dig holes twice as wide and just deeper than each plug or container. Space 1-2 feet apart.
- Carefully remove plants from containers or plug trays and loosen any circling roots before planting.
- Water thoroughly after planting and as needed until established (about 4-6 weeks).
Planting Bare Root Plants
- Moisten roots and place in holes a few inches deeper and wider than the root mass.
- Backfill with native soil, firming gently. Space 1-2 feet apart.
- Water immediately after planting and regularly until established.
Seeding Prairie Dropseed
- Prepare soil and rake area smooth. Mix in thin layer of compost.
- Sow seeds in fall or early spring. Sprinkle uniformly and cover very lightly with 1⁄4 inch soil.
- Water gently to moisten seedbed. Keep moist until seedlings emerge in 2-4 weeks.
- Thin seedlings or transplant plugs for fuller coverage.
How to Grow Prairie Dropseed
Here are some tips for successfully growing prairie dropseed:
- Water weekly first year, 1-2 inches per week. Water deeply and less frequently in future years.
- Cut back any dead foliage in late winter to make room for new spring growth.
- Apply a slow release, low nitrogen fertilizer in early spring if needed in poor soils. Avoid high nitrogen.
- Divide large clumps every 3-5 years in spring to promote vigor. Replant divisions 1-2 feet apart.
- Allow seed heads to stand through winter for visual interest. Cut back in late winter for fresh growth.
- Weed manually when needed during establishment. Mulch around plants once established to suppress weeds.
POTENTIAL HEADING: How to Care for Established Prairie Dropseed
Caring for Established Prairie Dropseed
Once prairie dropseed becomes established, follow these care tips:
- Water during drought, about 1 inch per week. Established plants have good drought tolerance.
- Prune or mow stand every 2-3 years in late winter to remove dead foliage and rejuvenate growth.
- Apply a light organic mulch like shredded leaves or compost around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Divide large clumps every 4-5 years in early spring to maintain vigor.
- Remove flowering stems before seed is set to curtail self-seeding if desired.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring only if plants need a boost in poor soils.
- Watch for pests like leaf spot, rusts and aphids and treat organically if issues arise. Most issues are foliar and not fatal.
With its ease of care, drought tolerance and eye-catching beauty in both summer and winter, prairie dropseed is a welcome addition to gardens and landscapes. A bit of attention to proper planting and care will keep this graceful native grass thriving.
POTENTIAL HEADING: Troubleshooting Common Problems with Prairie Dropseed
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Prairie Dropseed
Prairie dropseed is relatively trouble-free, but may encounter issues like:
Slow establishment or lack of growth
- Ensure adequate moisture during first year establishment. Water deeply once a week if rainfall is lacking.
- Improve poor soils by mixing in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.
- Mulch plants to maintain consistent soil moisture and reduce competition from weeds.
Foliage browning
- Check that soil moisture is adequate. Water during droughts.
- Avoid overhead watering which can promote foliar diseases.
- Remove dead foliage to improve air circulation.
- Rule out drainage issues and amend soil if compacted or heavy.
Self-seeding or spread beyond original plantings
- Cut off spent seed heads before seeds mature and spread.
- Site plants away from paths or hardscapes which can trap seeds.
- Pull unwanted self-sown seedlings when small.
Insect pests like leaf hoppers or aphids
- Remove seriously affected foliage. Most damage is cosmetic.
- Spray aphids with diluted soap solution. Apply neem oil for leaf hoppers.
- Promote beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings which prey on pests.
FAQs about Growing Prairie Dropseed
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about prairie dropseed care:
Does prairie dropseed spread aggressively?
Prairie dropseed grows in tidy clumps and does not spread rapidly via rhizomes. It may self-seed under ideal conditions but is easy to manage.
Is prairie dropseed deer resistant?
Yes, prairie dropseed is rarely bothered by deer or other wildlife and is a good option for landscapes prone to browsing.
Should I cut back prairie dropseed in fall or winter?
Cutting back foliage can be done anytime between late fall to early spring. Late winter is ideal to make room for new growth.
Does prairie dropseed require dividing?
Mature clumps may benefit from division every 4-5 years. Divisions help maintain a dense, vigorous stand. Replant 1-2 feet apart.
What is the ideal spacing for prairie dropseed plantings?
Space prairie dropseed plants or plugs about 1-2 feet apart for good coverage. Seeds may be sown closer at 8-12 inches apart and thinned later.
How much water does prairie dropseed need?
Supplemental water is critical the first year until plants establish an extensive root system. After establishment, it is quite drought tolerant.
What type of soil does prairie dropseed prefer?
Prairie dropseed thrives in average to poor soils as long as the drainage is good. Amend very sandy or heavy clay soils with compost before planting.
Conclusion
With its graceful form, easy care needs and standout fall color, prairie dropseed is a jewel of a grass for gardens and naturalized areas. Provide full sun, moderate water while plants establish, and divide mature clumps occasionally to keep this American native looking its best for years of beauty and habitat. Attentive planting and follow up care will help your prairie dropseed flourish.