Little Bluestem ‘The Blues’: Plant Description & Key Features
Product Description
Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ (The Blues Little Bluestem) is a drought-tough native bunchgrass prized for its intense powder-blue summer foliage, tidy upright clumps, and vivid copper–red–orange fall color. Silvery-tan seed heads shimmer above the foliage in late summer and persist through winter, adding movement, habitat value, and four-season structure. A natural fit for hot, lean sites—meadows, slopes, curb strips, and modern naturalistic borders—where low maintenance and high impact are the goal.
Quick-Glance Specs
| Attribute | Details |
| Botanical Name | Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ |
| Common Name | The Blues Little Bluestem |
| Plant Type | Warm-season perennial bunchgrass |
| Native/Non-native | Native species (North America); cultivar selection |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (best color/upright habit in sun) |
| Moisture | Dry to medium; avoid poorly drained/wet soils |
| Mature Height | 24–36″ foliage; 36–48″+ in bloom |
| Mature Spread | 18–24″ clump |
| Growth Habit | Upright, clumping (non-running) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Fragrance | None |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to early fall (silvery-tan seed panicles) |
| Seasonal Interest | Summer–winter; blue blades; fiery fall color; persistent stems |
| Foliage & Features | Distinct powder-blue leaves; fine texture; vertical poise |
| Landscape Features | Drought tolerance, erosion control, wildlife cover/seed |
| Landscape Uses | Meadows, slopes, xeric borders, streetscapes, gravel gardens |
| Soil | Lean to average, well-drained; tolerates clay once established |
| Water Needs | Low after establishment |
| Maintenance | Low; cut back in late winter/early spring |
| Deer/Pest Resistance | Generally deer resistant; few serious pests |
| Container Friendly | Performs in sunny, well-drained containers |
| Recommended Spacing | 18–24″ for cohesive drifts and airflow |
Care & Growing Information
- Site & Light: Plant in full sun for the bluest foliage, richest fall color, and firmest stance.
- Soil & Water: Prefers well-drained, lean soils (sandy/gravelly or average garden loam). Water to establish; then drought tolerant. Avoid rich, wet, or heavily irrigated sites that encourage flopping.
- Planting: Set crowns level with soil; space 18–24″ for rhythmic drifts and airflow.
- Maintenance: Low-care. Leave stems for winter interest and wildlife; cut back to 4–6″ in late winter/early spring. Fertilize sparingly—excess fertility relaxes the habit.
- Design Tips: Repeat in drifts for vertical rhythm and seasonal color. Excellent with coneflowers, salvias, asters, prairie perennials, and other xeric grasses.
Key Features
- Intense powder-blue summer foliage
- Reliable, copper–red–orange fall color
- Drought-tolerant; thrives in hot, lean sites
- Deer resistant with strong winter texture and wildlife value
- Upright, non-running clumps for tidy structure
Problems
- Few serious issues. Flopping can occur in shade or overly rich/wet soils—keep conditions sunny, lean, and well drained. Avoid standing winter wet to prevent crown rot.
Uses in the Landscape
- Meadows/prairie-style plantings and naturalistic borders
- Slopes and gravel gardens needing drought-tough structure
- Streetscapes/curb strips with reflected heat
- Four-season wildlife/habitat value with persistent stems and seed
Availability / Ordering
- Sizes Offered: #1 Gallon, 4″, DP-50 Plug
- Recommended Spacing: 18–24″ for cohesive drifts and upright habit.
Why You’ll Love It
- Eye-catching blue blades that blaze into red-orange in fall
- Water-wise performer that stays upright and tidy
- Minimal care—cut back once a year and enjoy
Quick Highlights
A drought-tough native cultivar with blue summer foliage, fiery fall color, and persistent winter texture—‘The Blues’ delivers long-season impact with minimal input.
