little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise' PRAIRIE WINDS
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flowers:
Purple-brown maturing to silvery white Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
silver
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Little bluestem 'Blue Paradise' PRAIRIE WINDS should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil has dried out. This species prefers moist soil, so watering on a weekly basis is recommended if the soil has gone completely dry. For potted plants, they should be watered until excess water runs through the drainage hole. During the growing season, the plant should be kept evenly moist. For the growing season, begin reducing water during the season as this species prefers drier conditions during the fall and winter months.
sunlight
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise' PRAIRIE WINDS) prefers full sun for optimum growth and vigor, meaning that it should be placed in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. For maximum growth and flowering, bluestem grasses should receive full sun throughout the day, during the warmer months of the year. During the cooler months, some shade may be beneficial, as too much direct sunlight during cold temperatures can be damaging to the plant.
pruning
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise' PRAIRIE WINDS) should be pruned in spring and then again in early summer to promote bushy, full growth. Trim the shoots just above where the new leaf shoots emerge. Prune just enough of the longest shoots to keep the plant relatively short and to encourage the growth of new, side shoots. It is best to remove no more than 1-third of the shoots. This will ensure that the plant remains healthy and will thrive.
