Schizachyrium scoparium
Blooming Time
Exposure
A native species, Little Bluestem is a stiffly upright clump forming grass with narrow blades of powdery-blue green foliage. Schizachyrium scoparium is tolerant of both drought and salt, preferring poor well-drained soils. In late summer flower stalks emerge and are soon topped with numerous shimmering, airy seed heads, as temperatures cool, the blue foliage transitions to a lovely shade of coppery orange. A popular choice for naturalizing, especially in areas with dry sandy soils Schizachyirum scoparium is also a great architectural backdrop to flowering plants, remaining upright into winter. 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Details
Hardiness Zone:
Blossom Color:
Tan to Brown
Growth Habit:
Clump Forming
Max Height:
4'
Texture:
Recommended Spacing:
We sell this plant in these containers:
Special Characteristics
Features
A stiffly upright clump forming grass with narrow blades of powdery-blue green foliage.
Landscape Value
A popular choice for naturalizing, especially in areas with dry sandy soils Schizachyirum scoparium is also a great architectural backdrop to flowering plants, remaining upright into winter.
Care
Watering:
Little Bluestem is very drought tolerant and typically only needs watering during the hottest days of summer.
Fertilizing:
Little Bluestem needs little fertilizer, but benefits from a single springtime or fall topdressing (about 1 inch deep) of organic compost or well rotted leaves. Alternatively, a springtime application of a slow release fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet.
Pruning:
Little Bluestem should be enjoyed all winter long, then, during early April before it begins to grow again, it should be pruned or mowed back to ground level.