grassN. America Native

Little Bluestem

Name: Little Bluestem
Brand: Schizachyrium
Availability: InStock

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Little Bluestem'

$16.99

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

30 inches

Width

20 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Little Bluestem is a warm-season perennial grass, known for its fine texture and blue-green coloration that turns reddish-orange in the fall. This cultivar is particularly noted for its compact size and drought tolerance.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Little Bluestem provides elegant, feathery foliage that turns striking colors in fall, adding movement and texture to gardens.

It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it ideal for sustainable landscapes.

Serves as habitat for birds and beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Great Garden Plants

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal PotTrays

In Stock$16.99

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil to ensure healthy growth.
Tuck seeds or divisions into the soil, spacing them about 12 inches apart for airflow.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting, especially in the first few weeks.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist until established, about 6 weeks.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Transplant seedlings or divisions in early spring after the last frost.

Pro Tip

Allow the plant to develop a natural, airy form by avoiding heavy pruning early on.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring

Don't

Don’t overwater; it prefers dry to medium moisture
Avoid heavy fertilization that can promote floppy growth ❌
Don’t disturb roots unnecessarily when dividing

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Swaying ornamental grassWildflower meadow accentDrought-tolerant border

Companion Plants

Echinacea Rudbeckia Coreopsis Sedum Lavandula

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 to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

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.