The Blues Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues') is a colorful native ornamental grass prized for its striking blue foliage, upright habit, and brilliant fall color. Growing approximately 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, it forms an attractive clump of narrow, steel-blue to blue-green foliage that provides excellent contrast throughout the growing season.
As temperatures cool in fall, the foliage transforms into a beautiful mixture of orange, red, purple, and burgundy. Silvery seed heads develop later in the season, adding soft texture above the foliage and providing food and cover for wildlife. The dried stems and seed heads can be left standing through winter for additional structure, texture, and habitat.
The Blues is an excellent choice for mixed borders, mass plantings, native gardens, meadow plantings, slopes, erosion control, or as a colorful accent. Once established, it is highly tolerant of heat, drought, poor soils, and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for difficult sunny locations.
More About The Blues Little Bluestem
- Low Maintenance
- Moderate Growing
- Perennial Ornamental Grass
- Native Cultivar
- Striking Blue Foliage
- Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Heat Tolerant
- Poor Soil Tolerant
- Mixed Border, Mass Planting, Native Garden, Meadow, Slopes, Erosion Control, Accent
- Upright, Clumping Habit
- Excellent Fall Color
- Provides Winter Texture and Structure
- Deer Resistant
- Provides Food & Cover for Wildlife
Height: 2-4 Feet
Spread: 1-2 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Season of Interest: Summer, Fall, Winter Texture
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Average, Well Draining
- Attributes: Clumping, Upright, Native
- Foliage Color: Steel Blue to Blue-Green; Orange, Red, Purple and Burgundy in Fall
- Flower/Seed Head Color: Silvery-Tan
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and most intense blue foliage color. The Blues performs especially well in dry, lean, and well-drained soils. Avoid overly rich soil and consistently wet locations, which can encourage weaker growth and reduce its naturally upright habit.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, The Blues is highly drought tolerant and generally requires little supplemental watering except during prolonged periods of extreme drought.
Fertilizing:
Very little fertilizer is required. Little Bluestem performs best in relatively lean soils. Excessive fertilizer can encourage overly vigorous growth and weaker stems.
Pruning:
Leave the dried foliage and seed heads standing through winter for added texture, structure, and wildlife value. Cut the entire plant back to approximately 3-6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
