The Blues Little Bluestem Grass

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'

Nature Hills Nursery

Steely Blue Summer Foliage Transforms to Blazing Copper-Orange in Fall for Year-Round Color
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Showy White Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$58⁸⁰

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Plant Size

#2 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This ornamental grass requires at least 6 to 8 hours of full, direct sun to maintain its signature upright form. Insufficient light causes the stems to flop over and prevents the vibrant blue-green summer color from transitioning into its fiery autumn bronze.
Soil: It thrives in lean, well drained soil and actually prefers "poor" conditions. If your soil is heavy clay, plant it on a slight mound or incorporate some coarse sand to ensure water moves away from the roots, as overly rich or soggy soil leads to weak growth.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide 1 inch of water per week to help the deep root system establish. Once mature, this grass is exceptionally drought tolerant and usually relies on natural rainfall alone. Overwatering a mature plant often results in "lodging," where the center of the clump falls open because the growth has become too lush and soft.

Pruning Tips

Little Bluestem blooms on new wood, so you should cut the entire plant back to about 3 inches above the ground in late winter or very early spring before new green shoots appear. Think of this like a seasonal reset that clears away the previous year's "skeleton" to make room for fresh growth. Leaving the dried foliage up through winter provides visual interest and vital cover for beneficial insects.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a light application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as growth resumes. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, especially late in the summer, because they force rapid, weak growth that will collapse under the weight of winter snow. Since this plant is naturally adapted to rugged prairies, a "less is more" approach prevents it from becoming overgrown and floppy.

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

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Salt Tolerant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	2-3 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	White
Fall Color	Orange & Red
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'
Species	scoparium
Cultivar	The Blues
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

4 Season Interest The Blues Little Bluestem Grass

Graceful Mounded Form
Deep Blue Foliage All Summer
Coppery Orange Fall Color
Showy Clusters of Fluffy, Silvery White Plumes
Looks Great in Winter
Gives Food, Shelter, and Cover for Ground Nesting Birds
Very Adaptable Warm-Season Ornamental Grass
Good Drought Tolerance
Great for Erosion Control
Deer Resistant
Black Walnut Tolerant
Tolerates Clay Soils

For a wonderful little workhorse in the landscape, get your hands on The Blues Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’). The Blues is a magnificent cultivar, chosen for its steely blue summer and blazing fall color. It effortlessly delivers rugged charm with a tidy, erect habit.

Ornamental Grasses bring welcomed added dimensions as they trace both the sight and sound of the wind. Use these soothing small plants near your seating areas or along the length of a path to lending a graceful symmetry. Watch and listen as the slightest breeze plays through the fine-textured blades and take a nice, deep breath.

This colorful plant features delicate foliage in a deep, cool-toned blue borne on rich reddish stems. The leaves deepen into a coppery hue for a fall color display that simply glows in the setting sun. Purple flowers rise above the canopy and develop into fluffy silvery seed clusters for early winter interest.

That rich wheat orange color from fall persists to brighten up the dormant winter season, an outstanding ornamental asset! It’s especially attractive when seen poking through a layer of winter snow.

Leave the pretty grass standing for winter to provide food for birds and cover for quail, turkeys, and ground-nesting birds. You’ll love the look.

This low-maintenance ornamental will grow just about anywhere and will tolerate poor soils. This all-around star performer is one of the most versatile perennial grasses one can plant. Order The Blues today!

How to Use The Blues Little Bluestem in the Landscape

This native American grass was once the dominant grass across prairies and open woods throughout most of North America. It suits nearly any garden style, from cottage gardens to Zen and modern or contemporary. The Blues is truly a classic in the landscape.

It tolerates everything from heavy clay to rocky, thin and poor soil. Use this deep-rooted perennial grass to stabilize a slope and prevent erosion.

Depending on where you live, you may have heard about this beautiful ornamental utility grass called Bunch Grass, Sage Grass, or Beard Grass. It has become a vital part of good soil conservation in modern landscapes. Use The Blues to recapture soil structure and provide erosion control, which is so important in drought-tolerant landscapes.

Because of its wide range of adaptability, the Little Bluestem is frequently seen in commercial landscapes, parks, and woodland planting. It absolutely shines in mass plantings used in meadows or prairie displays or in large areas as a fill plant for erosion control.

Plant at 2 feet on center for mass planting of a quick fill within two seasons. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next. You can either mow or trim in early spring.

Use The Blues Little Bluestem just about anywhere in your landscape. Edge a long border with these easy-care plants. Or, mix them into a perennial garden for a soft-textured accent.

#ProPlantTips for Care

This adaptable prairie grass grows best in full sun. However, it will easily grow in a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained. This includes fast-draining sandy soils and heavy clay soils.

The Blues laughs at high heat and humidity. It’s extraordinarily cold hardy. The plant is disease and pest-resistant as well as adapted to urban pollution problems.

Once established, they are drought tolerant and will require only occasional watering. Give young plants a regular amount of moderate water for the first season.

Please wait to trim them back until after you start seeing new growth. You’ll love the winter interest, and the birds will surely appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Once you see green growth emerging from the crown, cut them all the way down to the ground. This warm-season grass can be mowed, or hand-cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring. The new season of growth will fill out completely by April or May.

We always sell out of our yearly crop of The Blues Little Bluestem grass. Order right now if you see it in stock on the site. Otherwise, sign up for an email alert when the next crop is ready.

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy little bluestem grass near me?

Little bluestem grass is widely available at most nurseries, garden centers, and online plant retailers across zones 3-9. This native prairie grass is popular for its drought tolerance and four-season interest. Check local nurseries first for regional varieties, or order online for specific cultivars like 'The Blues' with superior blue foliage.

How tall and wide does The Blues Little Bluestem Grass get when fully mature?

The Blues Little Bluestem grows 18-24 inches tall and wide at maturity, forming a neat mounded clump. This compact ornamental grass works perfectly for borders, mass plantings, or erosion control without overwhelming smaller spaces. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile native grass.

What type of soil does The Blues Little Bluestem Grass prefer?

The Blues Little Bluestem thrives in poor soils and tolerates clay conditions exceptionally well. This adaptable native grass isn't fussy about soil quality, making it perfect for challenging sites. Plant it in areas where other perennials struggle for best results.

Is The Blues Little Bluestem Grass drought tolerant?

Yes, The Blues Little Bluestem has good drought tolerance once established. This adaptable native grass thrives in poor soils and challenging conditions. Plant it in well-draining soil and water regularly the first season to develop deep roots.

What plants pair well with The Blues Little Bluestem Grass in a landscape design?

The Blues Little Bluestem pairs beautifully with purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and native sedums that complement its steely blue summer foliage and coppery fall color. Plant it alongside other drought-tolerant perennials for a low-maintenance prairie-style garden. Shop companion plants at naturehills.com.

How do I care for this grass in winter and when should I cut it back?

Leave The Blues standing all winter to provide bird food and shelter while enjoying its attractive wheat-orange color. Cut back to 2-3 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, typically February to March.

The Blues Little Bluestem Grass

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'