Product Description
Sporobolus heterolepis 'Gone With The Wind' (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Prairie Dropseed, Ornamental Grass
This is a new seed strain of the native grass known for its hair-like foliage and mass planting appeal. 'Gone with the Wind' is shorter than the species, but still maintains many of the characteristics that made this type of grass popular. Its short, green foliage is topped by wispy, airy and aromatic tan flower panicles. The plant, as the name suggests, gently sways with the wind, creating unique movement in the garden. Foliage takes on red overtones in late fall.
This grass is very heat and drought tolerant because it is deep rooted. It is often planted en masse as a groundcover or as a specimen.
Prairie Dropseed is native to North American prairies and occurs naturally from Canada to Texas. Much of it has been destroyed by overgrazing and farming, so now it is only found in undisturbed prairies. Native Americans once used its seeds to make flour. This plant gets its name from the way the tiny mature seeds drop to the ground in the fall. Birds and other wildlife depend on this plant as a nutritious food source.
This plant tolerates a wide range of conditions including clay soil, but grows best in well-drained, dry, rocky soil and full sun. It can tolerate light shade, but in too much shade it will flop. This plant is extremely heat and drought tolerant once established. However, some summer watering may be required in arid western climates.
Prairie Dropseed is a slow growing grass that takes about three years to mature. However, it is well worth the wait since mature clumps are spectacular. Mature clumps can live for decades without the need for division. No serious pests or diseases are known to affect this plant. Propagate it by seed in fall or by division in spring.
Height: 36 to 40 Inches
Spread: 20 to 24 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Flower Color: Tan shades; Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun
Low Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Attracts Songbirds
Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
