Species little bluestem
beige-green foliage

little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Glaucum'

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Glaucum') is a grassy perennial, ornamental grass. Its foliage ranges in colours from blue-gray to reddish-brown, dotted with tinges of purple. Its foliage turns an eye-catching deep maroon in the fall. This variety of Little bluestem is highly drought-tolerant and slow growing, tending towards a clump form and standing 3 to 5 feet tall. It is an ideal ornamental grass for periods of intense heat and drought. Little bluestem attracts birds and butterflies and is an excellent addition to a meadow or naturalized landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Purplish-bronze Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Glaucum') should be watered deeply once per week during its growing season, which is generally the spring to fall months. The soil should be moist but not soggy after each watering. In the heat of summer, this plant may need to be watered every 4-5 days to keep its soil adequately moist. In the winter months, when growth has slowed, water should be reduced or stopped altogether. Watering should be done early in the day so that the foliage has time to dry before nightfall.

sunlight

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Glaucum') is a warm-season bunchgrass native to Pennsylvania and other regions of the United States. The plant prefers full sun, which is defined as at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In the ideal conditions of full sun, little bluestem flourishes selecting warm climates. Prolonged periods of shade or partial shade can limit the growth of this hardy plant.

pruning

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Glaucum') should not require much pruning. During the first 2-3 years, you should remove any dead or damaged leaves. Once the shrub is established, prune selectively every year if desired. Remove about 10 - 20% of the foliage from the side and cut from the base to promote new growth.

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