How to Grow Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem is a prairie native that earns its keep year-round. The upright blue-green foliage matures to stunning bronze-red by autumn and holds its colour well into winter. Plant in spring in full sun and well-drained, even poor soil — it actually performs better without feeding. Space plants 40-50 cm apart. Water regularly in the first season to establish; after that it is highly drought-tolerant. Never cut back in autumn — leave the old stems standing for winter structure and crown protection. Cut to 10 cm in late February before new growth begins. Divide congested clumps every four to five years in spring.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. Feeding encourages floppy growth. A light topdress of compost in spring is the most you should apply.
Watch For
- Rust
- Leaf spot in humid conditions
- Slugs on young shoots
Companions
Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Liatris, Aster
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential
Little Bluestem requires at least six hours of direct sun daily. In shade it becomes floppy and the autumn colour is much reduced.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Water regularly in the first season. Once established it is highly drought-tolerant and thrives without supplemental irrigation even in dry summers.
Fertilizing
Avoid feeding
Rich soils and feeding cause floppy, weak growth. Plant in poor to average well-drained soil and do not fertilise.
Pruning
Cut back to 10 cm in late February
Leave all old growth standing through winter. Cut to 10 cm above ground in late February or early March before new shoots emerge.
Mulching
Light mulch after spring cut-back
Apply a thin layer of grit or bark after cutting back. Avoid mulching heavily against the crown which can cause rot in free-draining soils.
Growing Tips
Poor soil is a virtue
Little Bluestem is a prairie native that thrives in poor, dry, well-drained soil. Rich feeding causes floppy stems and reduces the vivid autumn colour.
The best autumn colour in a dry border
Few grasses match Little Bluestem for autumn colour. The stems and leaves turn vivid bronze-red by October and hold the colour through winter frosts.
Leave it standing all winter
The old red stems are part of the display. They protect the crown, provide winter habitat, and look superb with frost or low winter sun.
Divide every four to five years
Clumps slowly expand but rarely need dividing. If the centre dies out, lift and divide in early spring, replanting vigorous outer sections.
