Schizachyrium scoparium |
Native Region: North America
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: temperate
Harvest Date: Tuesday 28 October, 2008
Seed count: 30-40
Description:
Densely-tufted perennial grass, which slowly spreads to form clumps of 3 feet height and 12 inch spread. Its linear, gray-green leaves turn purple to orange-red in autumn. Long-awned spikelets appear in narrow racemes from late summer to mid-autumn. The plant remains showy in winter. Makes good dried flowers. Plant in large masses for best effect.
Cultivation:
For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. Sow seeds 1/4-1/2 in (0.6-1.3 cm) deep in a firm seedbed or broadcast them onto a prepared soil surface, then lightly firm the soil. Germinates at 68-86ºF (20-30ºC). If the seeds have been prechilled, they should start sprouting in about a month. Preferred outdoor planting time is mid-spring, but seed can be sown outdoors in the winter for spring germination or started indoors anytime to produce transplants. Grow in full sun to open shade in well-drained moderately-fertile soil; excessive moisture and fertile soil will cause the tall flower stems to fall over. Cut down old stems in late winter.
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