little bluestem grass

This native, ornamental grass variety provides unique blue-green to multicolored, spikey foliage interest from midsummer that becomes more prominent in fall as its tufted flower stems develop an attractive purple cast that matures russet to beige in winter. Its sturdy, upright, columnar habit holds for all winter interest and is an easy grower, outstanding in landscape borders, and can be used as erosion control. Little Bluestem grasses also have excellent tolerance to hot, dry sites once established, and combine well with other drought tolerant natives such as asters, Liatris, and Rudbeckia.

Plant in sunny, well-drained to moist, average to poor soil soil amended with organic matter like Petitti Planting Mix. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water, once a week the first year. Use Plant-tone and Iron-tone in spring or at planting; apply Osmocote in summer. Cut back as low as possible late winter/early spring. Mulch 1-2” to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Divide in spring when necessary.