Plant Journal
COMMON NAME
Little Bluestem
BOTANICAL NAME*
Schizachyrium scoparium
ZONE
3-8
SIZE
24 – 48” HT , 24 – 32” SP Size varies with the cultivars.
FOLIAGE
Upright stems and foliage. Summer – usually green with a blue tint. Fall – outstanding color; varies by cultivar
FLOWER
Wispy purplish inflorescence aging to silvery seed heads.
GROWING CONDITIONS
Native to North America. Tough and adaptable. Prefer Full Sun. Drought resistant once established. Prefer well-drained soil. Will flop easily if soil is too rich, moist or shady.
NOTES
This plant and its cultivars have recently been named the 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year. Featured cultivars… ‘Carousel’ – 32” HT & SP; blue-green leaves tinged red-purple become pink, copper and mahogany in late season; cinnamon brown in winter ‘Jazz’ – closer to 24” HT; has strong, purple fall color ‘The Blues’ – 36” HT; orange and red in the fall; will tend to flop more readily than ‘Standing Ovation’ ‘Standing Ovation’ – 36 – 48” HT; red, maroon and orange in the fall; tends to stand straighter than ‘The Blues’
*A particular plant will have only 1 botanical name. Unfortunately, a particular plant may have several common names or it may share a common name with another plant. Whenever possible, use the botanical name.
