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Little Bluestem

Category:

This dwarf, clump forming, warm season native features a unique rounded shape and resistance to lodging; blue-green blades with a purplish-bronze bloom; a true kaleidoscope of autumn color

Characteristics

Average Landscape Height:
24 inches (32 inches with the flowers)
Average Landscape Width:
18 inches
Growth Rate:
medium
Genus:
Schizachyrium
Species:
scoparium
Flower Color:
dark purple
Flower Period:
in late summer
Summer Foliage Color:
sea green
Fall Color:
orange
Minimum Light:
full sun
Maximum Light:
full sun
Minimum Moisture:
dry
Maximum Moisture:
moist
Plant Form:
upright spreading
Canopy:
low
Pruning:
late winter pruning
Pollution Tolerance:
medium
Other Species Names:
Carousel Bluestem
Branching:
herbaceous

Ornamental Features

Little Bluestem is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The antique red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from early fall to late winter. Its attractive grassy leaves are bluish-green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall. It has masses of beautiful spikes of deep purple flowers rising above the foliage in late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The brick red stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape Attributes

Little Bluestem is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

Planting & Growing

Little Bluestem will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 32 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

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