Sporobolus heterolepis

prairie dropseed

Eventual height & spread

Sporobolus heterolepis

prairie dropseed

  • 9cm pot
  • £14.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 3 × 9cm pots
  • £32.99 £11.00 each
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.99
  • Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: slow
  • Flowering period: July to September
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


  • Sporobolus heterolepis is a graceful, slow-growing grass that forms elegant mounds of mid-green foliage that transforms from bright green to stunning yellows and oranges as autumn approaches.

    As summer fades, the plant is adorned with airy plumes of pinkish-brown flowers that mature into silvery seed heads. These seed heads often persist into winter, adding interest to the garden.

    This slow-growing, long-lived grass brings sophisticated drama to contemporary gardens and meadow plantings alike, its drought-resistant nature and year-round structural presence making it invaluable for sunny, open sites in any well-drained soil.


  • Garden care:
    Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, as this prairie native resents waterlogged conditions, spacing clumps 45-60cm (18-24in) apart to allow for their fountain-like habit. While slow to establish, patience rewards the gardener as this grass develops deep roots that ensure excellent drought tolerance.

    Avoid overfeeding or overly rich soils, which can lead to floppy growth - lean conditions produce the most robust plants. Leave seedheads standing through winter for structural interest and wildlife value, then cut back to 10cm (4in) above ground level in early spring before new growth emerges.

Goes well with