About
A strong perennial grass forming a spreading clump of narrow, arching, blue-green leaves, with slender terminal panicles of yellow-brown spikelets in late summer and autumn.
About the genus
Sorghastrum can be annual or perennial, deciduous grasses with erect stems bearing arching, strap-shaped leaves and large flowering panicles in late summer, which are good for drying
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, borders, naturalistic schemes.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet. The illustration here shows a young plant of the cultivar 'Blue Steel'
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free