Prairie Blues Little Bluestem Grass

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues'

American Beauties®

Consistent Grey-Blue Foliage Turns Vibrant Orange-Red in Fall for Extended Color
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-10
Grows 3-4 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Showy Purple, Red Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$58⁸⁴

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This grass requires at least six to eight hours of full sun every day to maintain its upright form. In lower light, the stems will stretch and flop over, and you will lose the intense silvery blue color that makes this variety special.
Soil: Plant in lean, well drained soil for the best results. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost or plant it on a slight mound to ensure the roots do not sit in standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, give your grass about an inch of water per week to help the deep roots get established in your soil. Once it is mature, Prairie Blues is very drought tolerant and usually only needs extra water during several weeks of extreme heat. Avoid overwatering because soggy soil will weaken the stems and cause the plant to lodge or fall over.

Pruning Tips

Think of the annual pruning like a fresh haircut to make room for new growth. Cut the entire clump down to about three inches above the ground in late winter or very early spring before you see new green shoots. This clears away the dead foliage so the sun can warm the crown of the plant and encourages a flush of tidy, upright stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a light application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring just as new growth begins. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers because they force the plant to grow too quickly, resulting in weak stems that cannot support themselves. Many gardeners find that this native grass actually performs better and stays more upright with no fertilizer at all.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Purple, Red
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues'
Species	scoparium
Cultivar	Prairie Blues
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR, NV, OR, WA

The improved form of the hardy native Little Bluestem Grass, Prairie Blues Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues') will knock your socks off! Already one of the most prevalent native grasses in the eastern United States this new cultivar displays consistent grey-blue, ribbon-like foliage that takes on hues of orange and red as the season transitions to autumn!

This warm-season grass may take its sweet time getting going in the spring, but watch out once the weather warms up! The sturdy, narrow stems with an upright habit of Prairie Blues thrives in parched areas! This selection is a great choice if you are looking to restore an eroded site, or for a plant that will grow in hot, dry areas where other plants have a hard time surviving!

Prairie Blues is deer resistant and attracts birds that like to shelter in grasses and feast on the seeds! Prairie Blues is a must-have for any sun garden! The columnar growth reaches 3-4 feet in height when in bloom, but only takes up 15-24 inches of space!

Planting and Application:

Ornamental Grasses play an important role in garden design. Hardy backdrops, structure, and the 'bones' of the landscape, Grasses also add motion, texture, and winter interest anywhere in the sun! And we mean anywhere - Growing throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 10!

The great features of Prairie Blues are its blue-green foliage, and its incredible fall color, which is a great addition to any design! Melding into formal and informal garden plans, Rock Gardens, small-space gardens and even container gardens beautifully!

Grey Blue Foliage in Summer
Upright & Columnar Growth
Highly Adaptable Warm-Season Grass
Foliage Turns Orange-Red in Autumn
Screening, Backdrops, En Masse, Containers & Sun Gardens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Little Bluestem Prairie Blues is a vigorous, long-lived native selection. Because of the ease of care, drought tolerance, winter beauty, and the way it adjusts to various soils and climates, the combination makes it a very hardy plant indeed! Little Bluestem does best in well-drained soil with full sun. You don't have to pamper this pretty grass because it does well in almost any well-drained soil. Minimal moisture is needed once established. It does well when cut back heavily in late winter or early spring and appreciates being divided every 3-5 years to maintain vigor.

Loves Sun, Heat, and Dry Soil
Average to Low Moisture & Well-Drained Soil
Very Low Maintenance
Prune Early Spring
Very Heat & Cold Hardy & Drought-Tolerant

Spring and summer cool tones become autumns hot tones with the Prairie Blues Little Bluestem Grass! Hurry and order this space-saving Ornamental native selection, available now at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Prairie Blues Little Bluestem suitable for?

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem thrives in USDA zones 4-10, making it adaptable across most of the United States. This native grass selection handles both northern winters and southern heat with ease. Plant it in full sun for best performance in your zone.

What is the mature height and width of Prairie Blues Little Bluestem?

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem reaches 3-4 feet tall when in bloom but spreads only 15-24 inches wide, creating an upright columnar form. This compact footprint makes it perfect for small spaces and containers. Shop at Nature Hills for this space-efficient native grass.

Does Prairie Blues Little Bluestem grow well in clay soil or poor soil conditions?

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem thrives in poor soil conditions and adapts to various soil types, including clay. This hardy native grass actually prefers challenging sites where other plants struggle to survive. It's an excellent choice for restoring eroded areas or problem spots in your landscape.

What are the light requirements for Prairie Blues Little Bluestem—does it need full sun?

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem thrives in full sun and is specifically described as perfect for sun gardens. This warm-season grass excels in hot, dry conditions where other plants struggle. Plant it in the sunniest spot available for best blue foliage color and fall display.

How drought tolerant is Prairie Blues Little Bluestem once established?

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem is extremely drought tolerant once established, thriving in parched areas where other plants struggle. This hardy native grass naturally adapts to dry conditions and poor soils. Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water gardens available at naturehills.com.

Is Prairie Blues Little Bluestem deer resistant or tolerant of wildlife?

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem is deer resistant and attracts seed-eating birds that shelter in its foliage. This native grass thrives without protection from wildlife browsing. Plant it in sunny areas where you want low-maintenance beauty that benefits birds while staying safe from deer damage.

How do I plant Prairie Blues Little Bluestem—what spacing do you recommend?

Plant Prairie Blues Little Bluestem 18-24 inches apart to allow for its mature spread of 15-24 inches. This warm-season grass can be planted spring through early fall in zones 4-10. Space closer for quicker coverage or wider apart for individual specimen plantings.

Can Prairie Blues Little Bluestem be grown from seed, and how?

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem can be grown from seed, though it may take 2-3 years to reach its mature 3-4 foot height. As a warm-season grass, sow seeds in late spring after soil warms in zones 4-10. Direct sow in prepared soil and keep moist until established.

When should I trim or prune Prairie Blues Little Bluestem?

Cut back Prairie Blues Little Bluestem in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. As a warm-season grass, it provides winter interest with its attractive seed heads and structure. Wait until temperatures consistently warm up, then cut stems down to 4-6 inches above ground level.

Does Prairie Blues Little Bluestem require fertilizer or special care?

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem thrives without fertilizer thanks to its native heritage and exceptional drought tolerance. This vigorous perennial adapts to various soils across zones 4-10 with minimal intervention. Simply plant in full sun and let it establish naturally.

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem Grass

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues'