Little bluestem is a native American prairie grass known for its attractive blue-green foliage that takes on striking tones of red and orange in the fall. This hardy perennial makes an excellent ornamental accent in gardens, mass plantings, and naturalized areas. With proper planting and care, little bluestem thrives in a range of conditions while providing year-round visual interest.
An Overview of Little Bluestem Grass
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a clump-forming, warm season perennial grass. This versatile North American prairie native grows in decorative bunches up to 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The foliage emerges blue-green in spring, gradually turning reddish-bronze as the season progresses. In fall, the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of copper, orange, red, and purple for a showstopping display. The slender leaves remain upright throughout winter, providing unique texture and structure.
Little bluestem is ideal for gardens, meadow plantings, rock gardens, borders, specimen plants, and mass landscaping. It can also help control erosion on banks and slopes. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires little care. Its ornamental qualities and hardiness make it a standout choice for those looking to add visual appeal and native species to the landscape.
Growing Conditions for Little Bluestem
Little bluestem thrives in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. This tough grass readily adapts to a range of conditions, including poor soils, drought, and some moisture. Here are the optimal growing conditions to help little bluestem flourish:
Sun Exposure: Full sun is ideal, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Part shade is tolerated.
Soil: Little bluestem tolerates a range of soil types including sand, loam, clay, and gravelly soils. Soil should be well-draining and not overly moist or fertile.
pH Range: It grows best in acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Alkaline soils above a pH of 8.0 should be avoided.
Hardiness Zones: Little bluestem thrives in zones 3-10. It can withstand cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Drought Tolerance: Highly drought tolerant once established. Prefers dry conditions.
Moisture: Tolerates occasional moisture but extended wetness will cause roots to rot.
Salt Tolerance: Moderate tolerance to saline conditions.
Shade Tolerance: Does not tolerate heavy shade. At least 6 hours of full sun per day is required.
When planting little bluestem, mimicking its native prairie habitat will help it thrive. Choose a site with infertile soil that drains well in full sun. Avoid overly moist, fertile, or shaded sites. Amending native soil with sand or gravel can improve drainage in heavy clay areas.
How to Plant Little Bluestem
Little bluestem can be planted from container grown or bare root plants, plugs, or seeds. Here are some tips for successful planting:
When to Plant: The optimal time to plant little bluestem is in spring after the last frost date or in early fall. This allows root development before winter dormancy or summer heat.
Spacing: Space plants 12-24 inches apart in rows, beds, or groups depending on the desired coverage. Tighter spacing creates dense clumps while wider spacing allows room for growth.
Planting Depth: Set the plant crowns or seed 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch below the soil surface. Planting too deeply can cause issues.
Bare Root Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root mass and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending. Fan roots out, backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly after planting.
Container Planting: Carefully remove plants from containers, loosen bound roots, and plant at the same depth they were growing in the pot.
Seeding: Prepare a smooth, weed-free seedbed. Sow seeds and cover lightly with 1⁄4 inch of fine soil. Gently firm and keep moist until germination. Thin seedlings if needed.
Companion Plants: Mix little bluestem in prairie gardens with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, blazing stars, asters, and native grasses like switch grass.
Post Planting Care: Water deeply after planting and provide 1 inch of water per week until established. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture.
Growing and Caring for Little Bluestem
Once planted, little bluestem requires minimal maintenance to flourish. Follow these tips for growing and caring for this hardy ornamental grass:
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and during extended drought. Established plants are quite drought tolerant and require little supplemental water.
Fertilizer: Avoid fertilizer which can cause overly lush, floppy growth prone to disease. Little bluestem thrives in infertile conditions.
Pruning/Cutting Back: Cut established plants back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges. Remove dead stems and foliage as needed to improve appearance.
Weeding: Remove competing weeds, especially in the first season. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants to reduce weeds.
Winter Care: Little bluestem remains upright and attractive through winter. The foliage clumps provide visual interest and food sources for birds.
Pest/Disease Control: No serious pests or diseases. Occasionally aphids, scale, mealybugs, or spider mites may occur but are not common. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
Propagation: Propagate new little bluestem plants by dividing mature clumps in spring. Lift clumps, split with a shovel or knife, and replant divisions.
With its adaptability and ornamental qualities, little bluestem is easy to grow and care for. A little attention to planting site, occasional pruning, and drought tolerance ensure this native prairie grass thrives for years of enjoyment.
Common Pests and Diseases
Little bluestem is resistant to most pests and diseases, especially when grown under suitable conditions. Here are a few potential problems to watch for:
- Fungi: Crown and root rot can occur if soils are overly moist. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Rust: Orange leaf spots appear in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and remove affected foliage.
- Mealybugs: Cottony masses on leaves and stems suck plant fluids. Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap spray.
- Aphids: Green, yellow, black or white soft-bodied insects feed on plants. Strong sprays of water can dislodge them.
- Scale Insects: Hard shell-like bumps on stems indicating sap sucking pests. Prune affected stems and spray horticultural oil.
- Spider Mites: Tiny red or yellow spider-like pests cause stippling damage. Apply insecticidal soap spray.
Practice proper culture and sanitation if pests occur. Chemical controls are not often needed for little bluestem if grown in the right conditions. Proper site selection, spacing, and care offer the best defenses against diseases and insects.
Using Little Bluestem in the Landscape
With its fine texture and colorful foliage, little bluestem is ideal for gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. Here are some great ways to incorporate this versatile grass into your landscape:
Use as Specimen Plants
Grow little bluestem as standalone specimen plants. Space plants 1-2 feet apart and let them form attractive ornamental clumps in beds, borders or even containers. Show off their full form and color progression through the seasons.
Mass in Beds and Borders
Plant in mass along beds, borders, and foundations. Space approximately 18 inches apart for a dense effect. Interplant with late summer and fall blooming perennials like asters, coneflowers, and grasses for a prairie meadow effect.
Naturalize Areas
Allow little bluestem to naturalize and self-seed in open spaces. Meadows, restored prairies, roadside plantings, large landscapes, and reclamation sites are ideal. It sprouts readily from seed and spreads slowly to form colonies where desired.
Grow in Drifts
Create drifts of little bluestem throughout the landscape. Use blocks of 3, 5, 7 or more plants and allow them to intermingle and spread over time. Drifts create visual impact and replicate natural growth patterns.
Add Height and Structure
Use little bluestem as a vertical design element for height and structure. Place it behind shorter plants like sedums, verbena, or creeping phlox. Integrate taller varieties among shrubs, evergreens, and ornamental grasses.
Erosion Control
Plant little bluestem to stabilize banks, slopes, roadsides, and drainage areas. Its fibrous roots excel at holding soil in place. Once established, it requires little maintenance or mowing.
Retain In Winter
Leave little bluestem standing through winter for visual interest. Its slender upright form provides movement and texture. The foliage and seed heads add subtle color and provide food for birds. Cut back in late winter just before new growth begins.
With proper siting and care, little bluestem transforms ordinary landscapes into vibrant spaces that evolve dynamically through the seasons.
Tips for Growing Healthy Little Bluestem
Growing a thriving stand of little bluestem requires paying attention to its basic needs. Here are some top tips:
- Select a site with full sun and very well-drained soil. Avoid overly moist or fertile soil.
- Test soil pH and amend to maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5-7.0.
- Space plants 1-2 feet apart depending on the desired density.
- Water new plantings regularly until roots establish. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.
- Avoid fertilizing as it encourages weak, floppy growth prone to disease.
- Remove weeds and competing grasses like crabgrass which can overwhelm little bluestem.
- Cut plants back to 6 inches once dormant in late winter to remove dead foliage before new growth begins.
- Divide large clumps every 3-5 years in early spring to encourage vigor.
- Control erosion by planting little bluestem on slopes and drainage areas. Its deep roots stabilize soil.
- Leave plants standing through winter for visual interest, movement, and food sources for birds.
- Propagate new plants by digging and dividing clumps or planting seed in prepared beds.
By providing the preferred growing conditions, little bluestem will thrive with minimal care and maintenance. Pay attention to sun, drainage, soil preparation and occasional division for a long-lived, problem-free landscape accent.
How to Divide Little Bluestem
As little bluestem matures, the clumps tend to open up in the center and lose vigor. Dividing overgrown clumps every 3-5 years in early spring rejuvenates growth. Here is how to properly divide this ornamental grass:
When to Divide
- Divide little bluestem in early spring before new growth begins emerging from the ground.
- Avoid fall division so plants have time to establish roots before winter dormancy.
Gather Supplies
- Shovel, knife, or saw for digging and dividing the clump
- Hand pruners to trim dead foliage
- Container or cardboard box to hold divisions
- Water source and hose nearby
Prepare Soil
- Water clump thoroughly 1-2 days before dividing if soil is dry. Moist soil will help prevent root damage.
- Loosen soil around 2 feet out from clump perimeter to make digging easier.
Lift and Divide Clump
- Use shovel to dig down deep and under clump to lift the entire mass out of the ground.
- Shake off excess soil but avoid damaging the dense, fibrous root mass.
- Use shovel, knife, or hand saw to cut clump into smaller divisions with 3-5 stems each.
Trim and Replant Divisions
- Trim any dead or damaged leaves and stems back to about 6 inches.
- Dig new holes twice as wide and deep as each division’s root mass.
- Carefully separate and spread roots out before backfilling with soil.
- Firm soil around new divisions and water thoroughly after planting.
Dividing overgrown clumps keeps little bluestem vigorous, prevents die out in centers, and generates new plants for expanding plantings.
How to Grow Little Bluestem from Seed
Growing little bluestem from seed is an economical way to generate many new plants. Seeds can be sown in containers for transplanting or directly into garden beds. Here are some tips for success:
When to Sow: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost. Move new plants into the garden after hardening off. For fall sowing, plant seeds directly in prepared beds in late summer.
Seed Starting Mix: Use a sterile, well-draining mix for starting seeds indoors. Mixes formulated for native plants help provide ideal conditions. Avoid standard potting soil.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in containers or seed beds. Little bluestem seeds require light to germinate properly. Don’t cover too deeply.
Germination: Keep seeds consistently moist and provide 65-75°F temperature. Seeds should germinate in 14-28 days. Acclimate seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors.
Thinning: If sowing directly into beds, thin seedlings to final spacing of 12-18 inches apart when plants are 3-4 inches tall.
Weed Control: Maintain beds weed free so developing seedlings are not overwhelmed. Apply organic mulch after seeding or transplanting to inhibit weeds.
Reduce Competition: Remove existing weeds and grasses which will compete with little bluestem seedlings. Do not plant in areas with hardy grasses like orchard grass.
Sun Exposure: Provide full sun as soon as seedlings emerge. Supplemental light indoors will help prevent stretched, spindly growth.
Follow sowing directions carefully and provide attentive care to grow many little bluestem plants from an inexpensive packet of seeds. Patient gardeners are rewarded with mature clumps for garden beds or mass plantings.
Recommended Little Bluestem Varieties
There are several commonly available varieties of little bluestem to suit different landscape needs:
Schizachyrium scoparium: The straight species grows in decorative bunches 2-3 feet tall with copper-colored fall foliage. Hardy in zones 3-10.
The Blues: Compact 18-24 inches tall variety with silver-blue summer foliage and rich burgundy fall color. Zones 3-9.
Carousel: Grows 36 inches tall bearing slender blue-green leaves. Foliage turns dark coppery-red in fall. Zones 4-9.
Standing Ovation: Upright foliage grows to 3 feet tall and takes on red tones by midsummer. Zones 3-9.
Prairie Blues: Steel-blue upright foliage grows 2 feet tall and wide. Foliage turns deep red-orange in fall. Zones 4-9.
Blue Heaven: Steel-blue green leaves reach 2 feet tall bearing red-orange fall color. Highly compact and drought tolerant. Zones 5-9.
Look for seed-propagated named varieties for improved uniformity over wild-collected plants. Consider mature size, foliage color, vigor, and hardiness when selecting little bluestem cultivars.
Overwintering Little Bluestem
Little bluestem is cold hardy even through harsh winters, making it a staple in northern gardens. Here are some tips for overwintering this durable ornamental grass:
- Leave clumps intact through winter for visual interest rather than cutting them back in fall. Foliage and seed heads provide framing, texture, and food sources for birds.
- Avoid excess fertilizer or water on plants going into winter, which can lead to frost damage. Hardened off plants withstand cold better.
- Mulch newly planted specimens in the first winter with 2-3 inches of straw or leaves for added insulation. Avoid mulching directly against the plant crowns.
- Check for heaving of newly planted clumps during freeze-thaw cycles. Gently press any lifted plants back into soil.
- Remove any broken, damaged, or collapsed foliage in early spring to improve appearance and air circulation.
- Cut back any remaining dead leaves or stems to about 6 inches once plants are dormant in late winter just before new growth emerges.
Taking advantage of little bluestem’s cold tolerance allows for year-round landscape impact. With proper care, this versatile prairie grass thrives despite harsh winters in northern climates.
Common Questions about Growing Little Bluestem
Growing little bluestem is relatively easy, but gardeners often have a few questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Does little bluestem spread aggressively?
Little bluestem spreads slowly via short rhizomes and self-seeding. It does not spread aggressively and is easy to control and contain. Give plants ample room to fill in over several seasons.
How long does little bluestem live?
This perennial prairie grass is very long-lived when sited properly. Individual plants can persist for 5-10 years or more before needing division. It continues to self-sow and spread in ideal growing conditions.
Should little bluestem be cut back in fall or winter?
Little bluestem can be left standing through winter for visual interest and food sources. Cut back any dead foliage in late winter just before new growth emerges. Avoid cutting back plants in fall.
Does little bluestem require frequent irrigation?
Little bluestem is quite drought tolerant when established. Supplement new plantings if rainfall is lacking. Mature plants thrive with little to no supplemental watering except during extreme drought.
What height does little bluestem grow?
Typical cultivars