Overview
Sporobolus is a bushy, clump forming grass like in the genus Sporobolus, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.51 metres tall. Sporobolus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, patio and container plants, prairie planting, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.
About
Sporobolus, commonly known as dropseed or rush grass, is a bushy, clump-forming grass within the Poaceae family. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, tolerating a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. This deciduous grass features vibrant green leaves in summer that turn yellow and orange in autumn before browning in winter. Growing up to 20 inches tall, Sporobolus is suited to various garden settings including prairie plantings, gravel gardens, and flower borders, and is hardy to UK zone H7.
About the genus
Sporobolus is a nearly cosmopolitan genus of plants in the grass family. The name Sporobolus means "seed-thrower", and is derived from Ancient Greek word σπόρος (spóros), meaning "seed", and the root of βάλλειν (bállein) "to throw", referring to the dispersion of seeds. Members of the genus are usually called dropseeds or sacaton grasses.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sporobolus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sporobolus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sporobolus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Sporobolus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.51 metres
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sporobolus
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sporobolus?
Sporobolus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sporobolus need?
Sporobolus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Sporobolus grow?
Sporobolus reaches a height of 0.51 metres.
Is Sporobolus hardy in the UK?
Sporobolus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Sporobolus?
Seed, Division.