Schizachyrium, Little Bluestem 'Minnesota Native'

Schizachyrium, Little Bluestem 'Minnesota Native'
Sun Preference
Full-Sun
Bloom or Harvest Time
June, July, August
As low as: $0.00

Description

A native grass that loves heat and humidity. Gorgeous fall color, excellent in mass plantings. Excellent drought tolerance. Plant in well drained soils.

Minnesota's Largest Selection of Perennials

Discover an unparalleled selection of perennials at Gertens! With the largest variety in Minnesota, we offer endless options of colorful perennials, natives, and pollinator plants to beautify your garden year after year. From vibrant flowers to lush foliage, our perennials are perfect for adding beauty and charm to your outdoor space. Visit Gertens today and see why we're known as Minnesota's Destination Garden Center!

Bloom Times for Perennials

Help and Advice

Perennials are the Backbone

THE GARDEN SCOOP

Details

Little Bluestem | Schizachyrium scoparium

Plant Height:  24 inches

Flower Height:  32 inches

Spread:  18 inches

Sunlight: Full Sun

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Other Names:  Carousel Bluestem

Brand:  Gertens

Description:

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

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.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best cut back to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Little Bluestem is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

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 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.

More Information

Gerten Grown Plants Gerten Grown Plants
Common Family Name Little Bluestem
Bloom or Harvest Time June, July, August
Sun Preference Full-Sun
USDA Hardiness Zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Mature Spread (Range) 12" - 24"
Mature Height (Range) 37" - 48"

Product Questions (15)

Gertens carries annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, water plants, house plants, edibles, cacti/succulents, seasonal blooming holiday plants and a wide variety of bulbs and seeds!
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season (spring – fall/frost). Perennials are plants that live for more than two growing seasons. They die back in winter and re-emerge in spring. ...
Hardiness is the capacity of a cultivated plant to withstand adverse conditions, usually its tolerance of low temperature. Plants are given a hardiness rating by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 11 zones based on the coldest or warmest temperature...
A short list of perennials that will attract butterflies includes Yarrow, Coneflowers, Blazing Star, Asters, Milkweed, Butterfly weed, Black-eyed Susan and Bee balm aka Monarda. These are all hardy to Minnesota. Check ...
A short list of perennials that do well in shade include Coral Bell, Astilbe, Aralia, Snakeroot, Hosta, Ferns, Bleeding Hearts and more. To view more perennials found at Gertens, click ...
Monarch butterflies are attracted to all types of native Milkweed. The female Monarch lays her eggs only on Milkweeds - plants in the Asclepias genus - where the caterpillars will hatch, feed and grow before forming a chrysalis. Adults also love Butterfly...
A perennial that is less hardy to your hardiness zone can be brought indoors for winter in a pot appropriate for its size. You don’t want the plant roots to dry out for long periods, but don’t let the soil be soggy. Water about once a month and watch...
Yes, an unheated garage should be just enough extra protection for zone 5 plants. Don’t let the plant dry out for long periods, water it about once a month. To find out what hardiness zone you are in, click ...
Yes, you can overwater plants. Especially in pots but also in the ground, however, planting in the ground allows for better water dispersion so the odds of overwatering are less. Low lying areas may be more prone to flooding. Areas with clay soil also...
A rough estimate for the last frost date here in zone 4b is the first week of May. This is not exact, as Minnesota weather can be variable, but it does help for plantings.
Hummingbirds drink nectar through their long tongue and prefer to drink out of long tubular flowers. A Mandevilla plant is a great example. ...
Generally, Japanese beetles are not going after the perennials. They like trees, roses, vines. Grape vines are one of their favorites, as are roses. But they have been seen on milkweed flowers, green bean leaves and more. Japanese...
Once you get the plant home, dig a hole in the ground twice as wide as the pot it’s in. Loosen the soil, and then pat root stimulator on the roots. Plant in the hole at the same...
Bees love any plant that they can get nectar from such as tubes or little flowers. Butterflies like a flat surface that they can get into. A short list for both bees and butterflies includes: Yarrow, Coneflowers, Blazing Star, Asters, Milkweed, Butterfly...
Use ant repellents.  Terro = Grease Ants Revenge = Garden Ants NOTE: Before bringing...
loader
Loading...