Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ (Little Bluestem)

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ is a captivating cultivar of the native North American grass Little Bluestem, renowned for its vivid blue foliage and graceful form.

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’: An In-depth Look

‘The Blues’ is distinguished by its striking blue foliage and an upright, slightly arching growth habit. This grass is particularly appreciated for its fine texture and how its leaves catch the light.

Native: This cultivar, like its parent species, is native to North America, flourishing in prairies and open woodlands.

Plant Type and Habit: It is a perennial grass known for its upright, clumping growth form, adding both structure and movement to the landscape.

Size: This cultivar typically grows to about 2-4 feet in height (60-120 cm) and 1.5-2 feet in width (45-60 cm).

Flowers: It produces airy, delicate, purplish-bronze flowers, which are visually appealing and add a fine texture to the plant. They appear on the tips of the stems, emerging as light, feathery tufts that can catch the light beautifully, adding a subtle shimmer to the plant. These flowers then transform into clusters of fluffy, silvery-white seed heads, which can remain attractive well into the early winter months.

Bloom Time: The flowering period generally occurs from late summer into early autumn.

Foliage: The foliage is highly prized for its distinctive and vivid blue color, which sets it apart in the landscape. This Little Bluestem cultivar features fine, linear leaves that maintain their striking blue hue throughout the growing season, adding a cool and refreshing element to garden settings.

In addition to its standout color, the foliage of ‘The Blues’ is noted for its fine texture, which contributes to the plant’s overall graceful appearance. The leaves can take on a slightly arching form, enhancing the visual interest and movement within the plant.

As the seasons change, particularly in the fall, the foliage transitions to include shades of burgundy and purple, adding another layer of color and interest. This seasonal shift in foliage color adds to the ornamental value of ‘The Blues’, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers looking to add color and texture to their designs.

Uses: Ideal for use in borders, native plantings, and as a specimen in gardens. Its fine texture and color make it a great choice for ornamental purposes.

Hardiness: Little Bluestem is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, showcasing its adaptability to a wide range of climates.

Wildlife: Little Bluestem acts as a larval host to nine skipper species, including the common wood nymph (Cercyonis pegala), Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae), Leonard’s skipper (Hesperia leonardus), and more. It also offers overwintering shelter for various insects and wildlife. Female bumblebee queens nest at the base of these grasses for protection until spring emergence. Its seeds are especially attractive to songbirds in the winter.

Toxicity: It is not known to be toxic to humans or pets, making it a safe choice for gardens.

Deer and Rabbit: This grass is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which tend to avoid it due to its texture and taste.

Drought: Once established, little Bluestem is highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-conserving landscapes.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not considered invasive and is well-behaved in garden settings.

Benefits: Apart from its aesthetic value, ‘The Blues’ offers ecological benefits such as providing food and habitat for wildlife and its low maintenance.

Little Bluestem Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and color. Can tolerate partial shade but with reduced vigor and color intensity.

Soil: Adapts to a wide range of soil types but thrives best in well-drained soil. Tolerates poor soils and clay. It does not persist in highly fertile soils or moist conditions.

Water: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system, then reduce frequency.

Fertilizer: Generally does not require fertilization. If needed, apply a light amount of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning: Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain a tidy appearance.

Propagation: Easily propagated by seed in spring or by division in spring or fall. Self-seeds in favorable conditions.

Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free. May occasionally be affected by rust or fungal spots in very humid conditions, but these are rarely serious.