'Twilight Zone' Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium)
Perennial
- Unique iridescent foliage with mauves and purples.
- Has a broad, columnar shape and appealing habit.
- Native species that supports pollinators and provides food, shelter, and nesting material for birds.
- Zones 3-9, Sun, 4.5' tall x 2' wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is a North American prairie native found throughout the 48 contiguous states, except for the far western, coastal areas. As its name suggests, this perennial has silvery-blue stems (particularly at the base) and leaves, making it an attractive addition to the landscape. Little Bluestem grass supports pollinators and provides winter food, nesting material, and cover for birds.
Details
Common name: Little bluestem
Zone: 3 - 9
Sun exposure: Sun (> 6 hours sun)
Height x width: 4-4.5 ft x 2 ft
Foliage color: Blue-green
Season of interest: Year-round
Bloom time: Summer
Features: Winter interest, native, heat tolerant, fall color, drought tolerant, deer resistant, cold tolerant
Uses: Background, border, cottage gardening, foundation planting, massing, specimen, naturalizing, erosion control
How to Grow
Light: Performs best in full sun (> 6 hours sun).
Water: Has average water needs but will tolerate drought once established.
Spacing: 2 to 3 feet apart
Fertilizing: It does not require fertilizer.
Winterizing: Can leave foliage standing for winter.
Maintenance & pruning: Prune to the ground in late winter before new growth has emerged.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.