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Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'

Image of Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'

James H. Schutte

Family

Poaceae

Botanical Name

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'

Plant Common Name

Little Bluestem, The Blues Little Bluestem

General Description

Little bluestem is a clump-forming, warm-season, deciduous grass native to central and eastern North America. 'The Blues' has narrow, dense, upright, steely blue leaves which turn wine red in fall. In late summer, tall, hazy panicles of flowers mature into silvery seedheads which provide ornament through fall and winter. Grow 'The Blues' in full sun in humus-rich, well drained soil, and shear to the ground in late winter. It is ideal for naturalizing, wildflower gardens, mixed borders, and rough lawns.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    7 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    2 - 7

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Grass

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    North America, United States, Canada

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Purple, Bronze

  • Fruit Color

    White, Sandy Brown, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Burgundy, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Tan, Bronze

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Dried Flower / Everlasting, Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes