Species little bluestem
peach-green foliage

little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Munchkin'

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Munchkin') is a low-maintenance, clumping, drought-tolerant grass noted for its vibrant foliage. It has deep blue-green foliage streaked with brown in autumn, and in spring, it produces airy, purplish-bronze panicles of flowers. Growing up to 24 inches tall with a spread of 6-24 inches, this ornamental grass is ideal for small spaces. It provides shelter and food for wildlife and also makes a great addition to butterfly gardens. 'Prairie Munchkin' is a hardy, easy-care grass that will add beauty to any landscape with minimal care or effort.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Light brown Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Munchkin') should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week. In hot, dry weather, the plants may need more frequent watering, as often as 3 times a week. During winter months, they will grow slower and will require less frequent watering. It's important not to let the soil dry out for too long, as this can adversely affect the health of your Little Bluestem.

sunlight

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Munchkin') grows best when provided with lots of sunlight. In general, these plants prefer at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. They can also tolerate some partial shade, but too much shade can lead to a weakened plant and decreased vigor. During the summer months, they should have direct sunlight for several hours of the day, while in the winter, they can tolerate some periods of shade.

pruning

Little bluestem 'Prairie Munchkin' should be pruned in the late winter or early spring each year. Typically the cuts are made no more than 1/2 inch above the ground. This will help promote new growth and thicker, bushier plant growth. Avoid pruning too much, as this can weaken the plant and lead to issues such as disease and dead growth. To help rejuvinate the plant, cut off dead growth and stray stems. For an optimal appearance, prune off any faded flower heads, removing these back to the first set of leaves. Pruning away any dead or damaged leaves will also promote healthy growth. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears and clean them when pruning, as this will help prevent the spread of disease.

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