How to Create the Prairie Xeriscape

Prepare the site by loosening the soil with a shovel to a depth of 24 inches. Break up any large clumps of dirt. Amend the soil with compost to promote drainage and improve the nutrients in the soil. Rake smooth. Most native prairie plants require full sun.

Select the tall varieties of plants that are native to the prairie such as big bluestem grass. This native plant grows to 10 feet tall and blooms in late summer. Blue grama grass is another native perennial ideal for your prairie xeriscape.

Select low-growing plants such as little bluestem, which grows to 4 feet tall and has a beautiful deep red color and white seeds in the fall. River oats, growing to 3 feet tall, is another beautiful choice.

Add color. Grasses aren't the only thing to grow on the prairie. Flowers such as purple cone flower and fleabane are drought resistant and beautiful additions to your xeriscaped garden.

Space your plants a good distance apart to allow for growth. It takes up to three years for a plant to achieve its full size. Over-planting will result in your plants competing for moisture and take away from the general appearance of your prairie xeriscape.

Dig a hole twice as deep as the root ball and bury your plant at the same depth it was growing in its previous container.

Water thoroughly. Even though, upon maturation, you plant will not need much water, in the first year, as it develops its root system, your xeriscape plant will need regular watering.

Mulch heavily around your plants to keep the soil at an even temperature, conserve moisture and discourage weeds or self-seeding.