Species little bluestem

little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium (Branson Blue Strain)

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium (Branson Blue Strain)) is a wonderful native grass that boasts beautiful silver-blue foliage up to 24" tall. It is drought tolerant, tolerates a wide variety of soils and is quite winter-hardy. This is an important plant for wildlife, especially beneficial insects, as it is a great source of food and shelter. Additionally, it is a great ornamental grass and a great choice for planting around the edge of your lawn, providing wonderful texture and movement in the landscape. It blooms in late summer, producing pinkish colored flowers that are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Root Suckering,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Purplish-bronze Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Little bluestem grass does best with deep and infrequent waterings. For mature plants, water 1 to 2 times per week in the hottest months. During cooler months, water only once every 7-14 days. When watering, try to keep the soil moist but not soggy. When the top inch of soil starts to dry out, it is time to water.

sunlight

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium (Branson Blue Strain)) does best with 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day. The sunlight should be evenly distributed across the day for optimal growth. During the hottest parts of the day (10am to 4pm), the plant should have some protection from direct heat and direct sunlight. If the conditions allow, most varieties of this plant can handle partial shade in the afternoon, but this depends on its specific location and environment.

pruning

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium (Branson Blue Strain)) is a drought tolerant, low maintenance grass that can be found in native prairies, meadows, and open fields. Pruning can help keep the grass looking neat and healthy throughout the growing season. It’s best to prune Little Bluestem in the early spring, before new growth appears. Start by cutting off any dead or infected stems. This will help to prevent the spread of disease. Next, trim off any grass blades that are longer than the majority of growth around it. This will help keep the turf looking neat and even. Finally, use hedge shears to remove any excess stems growing toward the center of the plant. This will help to create a more balanced shape while also reducing the risk of overcrowding. Pruning isn’t necessary for Little Bluestem, but if desired, it should be done no more than once or twice per year.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Little bluestem typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Little bluestem typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map