10 named cultivars

grassN. America Native

Little Bluestem

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: When does Little Bluestem bloom?

Little Bluestem typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Q: Does Little Bluestem need full sun?

Little Bluestem does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Q: 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.

Schizachyrium scoparium

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The Story

Plant Bio

A clump-forming native prairie grass with fine-textured, blue-green foliage in summer that turns striking shades of bronze-orange in fall and persists through winter. Feathery, silvery-white seed heads appear in late summer.

Valued for its upright form and magnificent fall color, providing structure and interest to the garden through all four seasons.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds movement and texture to gardens with its graceful, waving plumes.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping.

Provides habitat and food for pollinators and birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Marketplace

Where to Buy

American Meadows

<1 Gal PotBarerootTrays

In Stock$13.32

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
Mist cuttings lightly and keep soil moist for root development.
Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding after emergence.
Water regularly during dry spells to establish roots.
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.

Pro Tip

Use a sunny location with well-draining soil for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
Prune dead or damaged foliage in late winter
Apply mulch to retain soil moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
Refrain from fertilizing late in the season

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Swaying grass borderWildflower meadow accentDrought-tolerant groundcover

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpureaBlack-eyed Susan Liatris spicata Rudbeckia hirta

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 early 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.