Prairie Cord Grass Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata' (v)

Water

The Prairie Cordgrass prefers consistent moisture and can even tolerate wet soil conditions. During the early growth period, water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-1.5 gallons per watering session to help establish an extensive root system. Once established, the plant is quite adaptable but still prefers moist conditions, so if there is no significant rainfall, continue to water it every couple of weeks with approximately 1-1.5 gallons of water. During hot and dry spells, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to maintain soil moisture, but always let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Light

Prairie Cordgrass thrives in full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its best form and foliage color. It is best planted in an open area that is unobstructed by trees or buildings to ensure adequate light exposure throughout the day. Light conditions that are too shaded can result in a leggy plant with diminished vigor.

Temperature

Prairie Cordgrass is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It is capable of surviving winters with temperatures as low as -30°F and equally stands up to the heat of summer, withstanding temperatures over 100°F. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60°F and 85°F. As a native prairie plant, it is well-adapted to the temperature fluctuations typically found in temperate climates across North America.

Pruning

Prune Prairie Cordgrass in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps to remove the old, dead foliage and promotes fresh, robust growth. It is recommended to cut the foliage down to about 4 inches above the ground. Pruning encourages a tidy habit and can prevent self-seeding if the seed heads are also removed. Pruning is typically done once a year during this time frame.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Prairie Cordgrass prefers a moist, well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix that includes loamy soil, compost, and a small amount of sand is ideal to support its growth and maintain adequate moisture without waterlogging.

Repotting

Prairie Cordgrass, being a vigorous perennial, doesn't need frequent repotting. It can be repotted or divided every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and manage its growth.

Humidity & Misting

Prairie Cordgrass thrives best in moderate to high humidity conditions, typical of its natural wetland habitat, but it is adaptable and does not require specific humidity control when planted outdoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, damp soil, and large container.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, moist soil, space for spreading.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as variegated prairie cordgrass, starts its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in the spring once the soil temperature is warm enough to trigger growth. The young seedling establishes a root system and begins to produce long, narrow leaves that are striped with yellow, characteristic of its variegated nature. As it matures, the plant develops a network of rhizomes that spread horizontally, enabling it to form dense clumps and expand vegetatively. Throughout the summer, it grows tall flowering stalks that can reach several feet in height, producing flowers that eventually develop into seeds by late summer or early fall. These seeds are dispersed by wind and water, facilitating the spread of the species. As temperatures drop in autumn, the above-ground foliage dies back, while the rhizomes persist underground, allowing the plant to survive the winter and resprout the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as variegated prairie cordgrass, is typically propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy or in the early fall to allow enough time for the plants to establish before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, one should dig up an established clump of cordgrass and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These divisions should then be replanted promptly at the same soil depth they were growing at originally, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to give each new plant sufficient space to grow. This popular method of propagation ensures that the variegated foliage characteristic is maintained in the new plants.