Little Bluestem Grass

About this plant

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' is a captivating ornamental grass that brings architectural interest and vibrant color to any landscape. Its slender, upright blue-green foliage provides a soft, elegant texture throughout the growing season, transforming into stunning shades of coppery-orange, rich amber, and deep burgundy in the autumn. This cultivar is particularly prized for its intense blue hues and consistent, upright form, making it a standout feature in perennial borders, mass plantings, or as an accent plant. As a true American prairie native, 'The Blues' is exceptionally adaptable and low-maintenance. It thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, tolerates drought once established, and requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for sustainable landscapes, erosion control, and urban gardens. Its fine texture and dynamic seasonal color provide a beautiful contrast to broader-leaved plants and evergreen shrubs. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Little Bluestem Grass offers ecological benefits, providing habitat and food for various wildlife. Its seed heads persist through winter, offering visual interest and sustenance for birds, making it a valuable addition to naturalized areas and pollinator gardens.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Little Bluestem is incredibly low-maintenance. Cut back foliage to 4-6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Drought tolerant once established, but occasional watering during prolonged dry spells will benefit. No serious pest or disease issues.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.