Sporobolus Heterolepis

Prairie Dropseed, Ornamental Grass
$16.95 ea.
Order more to save! 3+ for $16.50 ea.
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Ships Spring 2025 to
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Scented Airy Plumes
One of the most handsome and refined of the native grasses. Sporobolus Heterolepis makes a fine-textured specimen in the garden or in a mass planting. Deep green foliage is topped with airy fragrant plumes starting in late summer reaching 3'. Plumes have a scent reminiscent of coriander. Deep roots make this a good choice for a sunny slope. Foliage turns bronze in the fall. Prairie Dropseed is an ideal Ornamental Grass for stabilizing slopes prone to erosion.

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Code SPHE

Patent

Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Species

Height Medium 22" (3' in flower)

Spacing Plant 24" apart

Bloom Time Late Summer to Early Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun

Zones 3-9

Soil Type Normal, Clay

Water Needs Low

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Fragrant
  • Winter Interest
  • For a Slope or Bank
  • Hot Dry Site Tolerant

Sporobolus General Information

Sporobolus are easy to grow and low maintenance. Fine-textured foliage forms a dense arching tuft. Seed fronds provide food for songbirds. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, including rocky or clay, but prefers a well-draining site for best performance. Ornamental Grasses are restricted from Idaho and Oregon. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Sporobolus Plant Care

Once established Sporobolus is long lived and needs little care. Drought tolerant, but requires regular watering for the first growing season to establish. Can be divided in Spring if desired. Tease out old, tired foliage in spring.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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