little bluestem

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Jazz') is a warm season grass, so it requires frequent watering. During the growing season, water regularly and deeply when the soil is dry. Apply 1-2 inches of water weekly. Avoid the urge to overwater, as overly moist soil increases the risk of disease. Once established, the plants can generally survive brief periods of drought with minimal damage. During the hottest parts of the summer, supplemental watering may be needed every other week to promote deep roots and keep the tissue healthy. As the cooler fall weather approaches, reduce watering frequency and quantity to encourage dormancy. In winter, little to no irrigation is needed.

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Jazz') prefers full sun, and can tolerate partial shade but will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to remain healthy. The best time of day to provide this plant with sunlight is between 9am and 4pm to ensure it is getting enough hours of light. When temperatures become too extreme it is better to partially shade the plant rather than provide full direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Jazz') is best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It is a clump forming grass and should be cut back to 6 inches (15 cm) above the ground. Pruning helps encourage new growth, and rejuvenates the grass. Little bluestem can also benefit from deadheading during the growing season. Deadheading is the removal of spent stems and flower heads from the plant to promote more blooms and a tidier plant shape. Pruning Little bluestem helps to shape your garden and encourage regrowth.