A HARDY PERENNIAL GRASS WITH A SOPHISTICATED LOOK
FEATURES:
- Lavender-blue colored stems
- Fluffy, tall flower shoots
- Flower seeds attract hummingbirds and a variety of songbirds
- Cold hardy and drought tolerant
- Low-Maintenance and easy to grow
- Hand selected, Fresh from our Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Mature Height: 2-3' tall
- Mature Width: 2-3' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 2-3' apart
The Blues Little Bluestem
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'
Regular price
1(866) 873-3888
A HARDY PERENNIAL GRASS WITH A SOPHISTICATED LOOK
FEATURES:
- Lavender-blue colored stems
- Fluffy, tall flower shoots
- Flower seeds attract hummingbirds and a variety of songbirds
- Cold hardy and drought tolerant
- Low-Maintenance and easy to grow
- Hand selected, Fresh from our Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Mature Height: 2-3' tall
- Mature Width: 2-3' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 2-3' apart
Why plant The Blues Little Bluestem?
Having the blues never felt so good! The Blues Little Bluestem will make beautiful music in your landscape. In spring, the intro sets the tone… cool blue blades arise, making a sharply vertical impression. Planted in masse in your garden, this upright element creates a sense of rhythm. In early fall, the foliage strikes a new chord when it changes from sky-blue to raspberry-red. At the same time, wispy white flower plumes appear like high notes in a sweet melody. It’s a performance you’ll enjoy year after year, and you’ll have the best seat in the house!
Little Bluestem belongs to the rich natural heritage of North America. This adaptable Fringe is native to southern Canada from Alberta to Quebec and to virtually all of the continental U.S. except for the West Coast. Its strongest association, however, is with the prairies. It once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other grasses and wildflowers in the vast tallgrass prairies that covered our nation’s heartland. On the southern plains, this plant had a special purpose for the Kiowa-Apache. It was gathered together to make switches used for driving the evil spirits out of people during sweat lodge ceremonies. The Blues Little Bluestem was introduced by Maryland nurseryman Kurt Bluemel.
How to use The Blues Little Bluestem in the landscape?
Butterflies! When you think of butterfly-attracting plants, grasses may not have a place on that list, but The Blues Little Bluestem actually makes a worthy addition to your butterfly garden. It serves as a host plant for several species of small skipper butterflies.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
How To Plant The Blues Little Bluestem
The Blues Little Bluestem responds well to tough love. Give it baking sun, fast-draining soil, little to no fertilizer, and little to no supplemental water once established. Take care to keep mulch away from the crown of the plant as well. This strict regimen will encourage strong, compact, self-supporting growth. More lush conditions will make this grass flop!
How To Water
Water The Blues Little Bluestem consistently when freshly planted as this will allow it to develop a deep root system. After it becomes established, it has great drought tolerance.
How To Fertilize
The Blues Little Bluestem don't require much in terms of fertilization. Fertilize when freshly planted with the Bower & Branch Starter Plant Food, but you won't need to apply again!
How To Prune
Leave seed heads standing for winter interest and to feed the birds. In early spring, shear the stems back to a few inches from the ground to make way for new blue blades to emerge. Divide the clumps every two to three years to prevent overcrowding.
