little bluestem

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'MinnblueA' BLUE HEAVEN) should be watered lightly but regularly for best growth. Water it during the growing season (spring and summer) when there is no rainfall. The soil should be damp, not completely wet, so don’t over water. Generally, watering once a week should be enough during the active growing season. If you are growing Little Bluestem in a pot, you will need to water more often due to the fast drying properties of container soils. During the colder months, reduce watering as the plant is more dormant. Water only when the soil has become dry and is starting to crumble.

Little Bluestem plants need full sun to thrive and flower the best. This grass should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. It does best with long periods of sunlight during the spring and summer months, as this is their growth season. It also does well with some afternoon shade during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 2 and 4pm. During the fall and winter months, Little Bluestem can benefit from some shade, as this will provide protection from cold winds and frost.

Little bluestem is a native North American prairie grass that should be pruned in late spring or early summer. For this particular cultivar ('MinnblueA' BLUE HEAVEN), it is recommended to wait until it has reached its desired height before starting to prune. Aim for no more than 1/3 of the total growth of the plant. For example, if the plant is 24" tall, prune off up to 8" of the old growth. Pruning should be done in stages throughout the season as opposed to taking all the old growth in 1 go. Additionally, remove and dead, diseased or damaged stems to keep the shrub healthy.