little bluestem

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) should be watered deeply (approximately 2” of water) whenever necessary. Depending on soil type, this may require watering once a week or even once every 2 weeks. In general, little bluestem plants should receive about 1” to 2” of water every week throughout the growing season. During periods of extreme heat or drought, it is recommended to increase the amount of water given to the plant. Make sure not to overwater the plant, as this may cause root rot or fungal diseases. In general, it is always better to water deeply and less often than to water shallowly and frequently.

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), a native grass found throughout much of North America, prefers full sun with as much as 12 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, due to its well-adapted nature, the plant can thrive in a variety of light and soil conditions, including partial shade. It does best when grown in soils with a near-neutral pH level and minimal waterlogging. Although it can tolerate some shade, little bluestem will remain at its healthiest and most productive when planted in direct sunlight. The plant benefits from full sunlight during the summer months when it is actively growing. When grown in particularly hot, dry regions, little bluestem may appreciate some afternoon shade in the hottest months.

For Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), pruning should be kept to an absolute minimum. It is best to trim the plants during the fall months when the growing season has ended and the plants are dormant. This will also help the plant form a strong and healthy root system. When pruning, cut the plant back to anywhere between 4 and 8 inches. Do not cut more than 1/3 of the plant's total height. Additionally, remove spindly stems and spent flower stalks, but leave at least 1/3 of the stems to provide the plant with the structure to grow back.