Schizachyrium scoparium
Broom beard grass, Prairie grass, Wire grass, Bunchgrass
Also known as Andropogon scoparium
- Height × spread
- 1m – 1m × 0.35m – 0.35m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A North American prairie grass. It makes tufts of foliage that can reach around half a metre in height and which tend to hold themselves vertically. The grass often has bluish tints and takes on burnt red autumnal shades. The flowering season is late, starting in late summer or autumn. The flowers mature to silvery tints that remain attractive through winter and which are good for cutting. There are cultivars that have been developed as fodder for animals, and others that have been selected for their blue foliage.
- Flower colour
- Grey
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1m – 1m
- Spread
- 0.35m – 0.35m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Prairie garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn - mid · Planting
Deadhead to tidy for winter
Tidy the plant to make the garden ready for winter. When the flowering season concludes around mid-autumn, cut off the flowered stems to their base.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.