Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass

Sorghastrum nutans 'MNYG318153'

Nature Hills Nursery

Glowing Golden Panicles Transform Gardens into Radiant Late-Summer Displays
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 4-6 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$58⁸⁶

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Plant Size

#2 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this grass full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct exposure daily. If planted in too much shade, the stems will stretch and flop over rather than maintaining their upright, vase-shaped habit.
Soil: It thrives in average, well-drained soil and is tough enough to handle clay or sandy textures. However, ensure the site drains well, as sitting in wet, boggy soil can cause the roots to rot.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and consistently during the first season to help the extensive root system establish itself in your garden. Once established, this native grass is highly drought-tolerant, though providing water during long dry spells keeps the foliage lush and prevents the tips from browning.

Pruning Tips

Wait until late winter or early spring to cut the entire clump back to about 3 to 6 inches above the ground. This technique clears away the old, dried foliage to make room for fresh green blades and allows the crown to warm up faster. Leaving the foliage standing through winter adds visual interest to the landscape and protects the crown from extreme cold.

Fertilizer Needs

You generally do not need to fertilize this grass heavily; a single application of a balanced, slow-release formula in early spring is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers or feeding late in the season, as this promotes weak, floppy growth that cannot support the seed heads.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Golden waves of grassy grain – that’s the radiant charm of Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass (Sorghastrum nutans 'MNYG318153'). This hardy native lights up late summer and fall gardens with warm, glowing tones! Related to the tallgrass prairies, it’s an easygoing, xeric beauty that grows fast and handles just about anything Ma Nature throws its way.

Developed by the University of Minnesota, this vigorous perennial adds lush texture and motion while creating soft privacy and soothing sound barriers around meditation gardens or seating areas. Its upright olive-green blades turn antique gold in fall, topped with fluffy bronze-golden plumes that dance gracefully through all seasons.

This tough native selection of Indian Grass thrives in USDA Zones 3–9 and stays sturdy with strong, no-flop stems that stand tall even in snow. Reaching 4–6 feet, Golden Sunset™ keeps its color and form well into winter.

Planting and Application:

Use Yellow Prairie Grass for golden accents in borders or as an upright architectural structure among mounding perennials. Create ‘living walls’ for landscape definition, line pathways for dramatic curb appeal, or flank your entryway with glowing sentinels. Perfect for cut flower gardens, rock gardens, and fall décor.

Plant in groups of 3 or 5 for wildlife shelter and natural prairie charm alongside Coneflowers, Big Bluestem, or Little Bluestem. Excellent for erosion control and drought-prone areas!

Golden Olive-Green Blades with Bronze Plumes
Hardy, Adaptable & Easy Native Cultivar
Strong, No-Flop Stems
Ideal for Hedges, Screens & Cut Flowers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Grow in full sun (6+ hrs daily). Water regularly the first year, then enjoy its drought-tolerant nature. Prune back to the ground in late winter or early spring and clear debris to refresh the clump.

Full Sun for Best Color & Form
Any Well-Drained Soil
Xeric & Drought-Tolerant Once Established
Wildlife Friendly & Low Maintenance
Prune Late Winter to Early Spring

Add a touch of gold with the luminous Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass – the glowing accent your garden’s been waiting for! Order yours from NatureHills.com today!

Botanical Name

Sorghastrum nutans 'MNYG318153'
Class

Poales
Species

nutans
Cultivar

MNYG318153
Growing Zones

3-9
Height

4-6 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Yellow
Leaf Color

Green, Yellow
Fall Color

Gold/Tan
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass suitable for?

Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass thrives in USDA Zones 3-9, making it suitable for most of the continental United States. This hardy native selection stays sturdy through harsh winters with strong, no-flop stems that stand tall even in snow.

Does Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass requires full sun (6+ hours daily) for optimal color and form. While it may tolerate light shade, the vibrant golden tones and sturdy growth habit diminish without adequate sunlight. Shop at Nature Hills for this stunning native grass.

How often should I water Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass after planting?

Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots. Golden Sunset™ becomes drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Focus consistent moisture on that crucial first growing season, then let this hardy native thrive on natural rainfall.

What plants pair well with Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass in a garden design?

Golden Sunset™ pairs beautifully with Coneflowers, Big Bluestem, and Little Bluestem for authentic prairie charm. Its 4-6 foot upright form provides excellent backdrop structure for mounding perennials in Zones 3-9. Plant in odd-numbered groups of 3 or 5 for best visual impact.

Should I cut back Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass in fall or spring?

Cut back Golden Sunset™ Yellow Prairie Grass in late winter or early spring, not fall. The bronze-golden plumes provide winter interest and wildlife shelter through the cold months. Prune to ground level before new growth emerges and clear any debris to refresh the clump. Shop this hardy native at naturehills.com.