Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Twilight Zone'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
51 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is a clump-forming perennial grass characterized by its fine, blue-green foliage that turns striking shades of red and orange in autumn, and its airy, feathery flower plumes. A distinctive cultivar noted for its iridescent, silvery-mauve foliage that appears in mid-summer. The color deepens to a vibrant violet-purple in the fall, providing multi-season interest. Taller than the species.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency.
- Mist cuttings if propagating via division in spring.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
- Cut back dead foliage in late winter for tidy appearance.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during prolonged dry periods 🌱
- Prune back in late winter to promote fresh growth
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively in late summer
- Avoid disturbing roots during peak growing season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Little Bluestem questions
What zones can Little Bluestem grow in?
Little Bluestem is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Little Bluestem deer resistant?
Yes — Little Bluestem is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Little Bluestem bloom?
Little Bluestem typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Little Bluestem need full sun?
Little Bluestem does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Little Bluestem drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Little Bluestem handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Schizachyrium to compare
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Blue Heaven Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'
'Smoke Signal' Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Little Bluestem with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
