Sporobolus wrightii: Wright's Dropseed as a Heat-Tolerant Pampas Grass Alternative

Wright's Dropseed (Sporobolus wrightii) is a tall, tough grass becoming a southern substitute for unwieldy pampas grass. Heat and drought tolerant, its gray-green foliage sports airy flower clouds atop tall stems in summer. Grows 6–10 feet tall, 3–6 feet wide. Good as a single specimen or grouped as a showy backdrop.

Growing Conditions

Full sun to light shade. Tolerates wide variety of soils. Propagate by dividing clumps or sowing seed in situ in spring or fall.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 6–10 ft.
• Spread: 3–6 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumping
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Adaptable
• Maintenance: Low
• Characteristics: Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage
• Bloom Time: Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
• Uses: Beds, Borders, Naturalizing, Screening, Specimen, Meadow Garden
• Type: Grasses