Sporobolus wrightii - Giant Sacaton

Compared to Sporobolus heterolepis, Giant sacaton is both much larger and quicker to grow. An established plant can easily reach 180+cm (6-7') every year. I planted plugs of this grass in late May and by fall the blooming height for most was 120-150cm (4-5') - from a plug! Seldom do we see such quick growth.

S. wrightii grows both tall and wide and given that the flowers are also large and architectural, it is a great plant to quickly fill a large area.

Description: warm season; clump forming
Foliage - grey to blue-green; narrow; 120-180 cm (48-72") tall
Flowers - August to Oct; 180-240 cm (72-96") tall

Ideal conditions: full sun to bright shade; open dry areas; moist areas; drought and salt tolerant

Coldest zone: 4-9 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Suggested uses: specimen, for a quick screen or hedge, groups, massing

Partner with: Andropogon, Panicum, Sorghastrum, Schizachyrium, Inula racemosa 'Sonnenspeer', Coreopsis tripteris

Season of interest: mid summer through fall

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth twice a month in very hot weather; less if not as hot) further info

Form: globe-shaped with high arching leaves and flowers

Recommended spacing between plants: 90cm or more (36" or more) why such a difference?

Native to: southwest of North America

Plant and divide: late spring to early summer

Pronunciation: Sporobolus (spor-ROB-oh-lus) wrightii (RITE-ee-eye)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Sporobolus wrightii to our other grasses in this handy chart.