Windbreaker Giant Sacaton

Sporobolus wrightii 'Windbreaker'

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Ornamental Grass
Plant Family: Poaceae
Plant Description: Originally bred as a windbreaker for agricultural fields, this large ornamental grass works great in western landscapes. Tall, narrow leaves grow in a large clump with blonde seed heads appearing in late-summer. Cut back in the spring before new growth appears.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Ornamental Grass - Large
Plant Care: Ornamental Grass - Large (showy non-turf grasses that go dormant in winter, 6-12' tall): Gather tall stalks together and secure with a bungee cord or rope. Use hedger or hand pruners to cut and remove 2/3 of the total grass height. Trim sides. Rake out any loose grass blades in and around grass clump. For warm season grasses (more common), this is best done in late winter to early spring. For cool season grasses apply the same maintenance practices in the late fall, once the plant is dormant.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 8-10' tall x 6' wide
Utah Native: No
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: No
Localscapes: Foundation Plant, Perimeter Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: Cream
Bloom Seasons: Late Summer
Bloom Period: Aug - Sep

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     Very Low (Water to Establish)
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Deer Resistant: Unknown

Garden Location:

  • Commercial Concepts
    • Education Center Parking
  • Maintenance Path
    • Rain Gardening
  • Neighborhood Landscapes
    • A Desert with Altitude
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter