It can be propagated by division however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. This is a selection of a native North American species. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Little bluestem is a type of ornamental grass with silvery-blue-green foliage in the summer that turns to gorgeous autumn tones as temperatures cool. It is not particular as to soil type or pH.

It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. Flowers: The grass produces small, fluffy, silver. This size makes it suitable for both small gardens and larger landscapes. Size: Little Bluestem typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) and can spread about 1.5 to 2 feet wide (45-60 cm). This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It has a bunching habit, forming an upright clump of fine-textured, slender, arching leaves. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! Big bluestem is a very attractive grass that can grow up to 8 feet tall. Spikes are 1 to 3 inches long, ascending to erect, typically purplish.

As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Ornamental grasses have become very popular over the last several years. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. It has no significant negative characteristics.Ĭarousel Little Bluestem is recommended for the following landscape applications Ĭarousel Little Bluestem will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 32 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. Jazz Little Bluestem, A shorter variety that will not flop over. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cut back to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a an important native prairie habitat grass species, that is popular in restoration and ornamental applications. The brick red stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.Ĭarousel Little Bluestem is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. It has masses of beautiful spikes of deep purple flowers rising above the foliage in late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall. Little bluestem grasses photo by Rachel James on Flickr (noncommercial use permitted with attribution / share alike). Its attractive grassy leaves are bluish-green in color. The antique red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from early fall to late winter. For best results, plant 'Twilight Zone' Little Bluestem Grass in full sun in poor to average soils it can tolerate heat and humidity and a wide range of growing conditions, but rich soil or too much fertilization can cause this grass to flop. As a resilient native plant with deep roots, Little Bluestem Grass is well-suited to restoring erosion, is salt tolerant, and can handle or dry, lean conditions. Deer resistant, this is an excellent grass for pollinator, bird, and wildlife habitat.This dwarf, clump forming, warm season native was chosen for its unique rounded shape and resistance to lodging blue-green blades with a purplish-bronze bloom a true kaleidoscope of autumn colorĬarousel Little Bluestem is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. Inflorescence is a terminal panicle with spicate primary branches. During the winter months, the entire grass turns a tawny shade of brown, standing proudly where other perennials have gone quietly dormant. Common name: King Ranch Bluestem Latin name: Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng Family: Poaceae Life Cycle: Perennial Type: Grass Description: Plants can begin as a bunch-type growth habit, but then spreading by rhizomes and/or stolons, especially in mowed turf. As the season deepens, so do the colors – basal foliage lower to the soil line begins to turn mauve and purple, creating strong contrast with the upright blue-green leaves. Long ribbons of blue-green foliage emerge in spring on a stiffly upright grass. The four-season color of this prairie native makes it a star throughout the year. (24-48” tall x 12-24” wide) Find a place for a few 'Twilight Zone' Little Bluestem Grasses in your meadow or sunny garden beds and you won’t regret it.

Blue stem grass photo