Dense clump of thin, linear green leaves with purple-tinged stems, growing in a sunny garden bed near a stone path.

Clump of ornamental grass with long slender green blades growing from a base on a concrete patio; a green trash can is visible in the background.

The Blues – Little Bluestem

Steel-Blue Foliage
Copper Fall Color
Native Prairie Texture

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#2 Container

$20.00

28 in stock

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Clear

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$20.00

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We guarantee that your plants and trees will arrive happy and healthy. If you’re not satisfied after receiving your trees and plants, we’ll replace them at no cost to you. Trees and plants are living organisms and require care, maintenance, and protection to survive, root in, and establish properly. Trees that do not survive despite receiving the proper care, maintenance, and protection within the first year will be considered for a one-time replacement. If you purchased plants outside of your growing zone recommendation, or have not properly cared for your new plants as described in your welcome letter, your purchase won’t be covered by our Grasshopper guarantee.
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Grasshopper Gardens offers free home delivery to customers in our local service areas. Experience the convenience of having your plants delivered straight to your home, free of charge, saving you time and effort.

Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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The Blues - Little Bluestem

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

The Blues - Little Bluestem

The Blues – Little Bluestem is a native ornamental grass with striking blue summer foliage, red stems, coppery fall color, and airy seed heads. Its upright clumping habit adds prairie texture, movement, and seasonal structure to sunny borders, slopes, meadow gardens, and naturalized plantings.

Why choose The Blues – Little Bluestem?

Choose The Blues – Little Bluestem for bold blue foliage and durable native prairie character in an easy-to-place clump. This warm-season grass brings vertical texture without spreading aggressively, pairing beautifully with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, sedums, and other sun-loving perennials. Red-toned stems and copper-orange fall color extend its display beyond summer, while fluffy seed heads add soft movement and winter interest. It is especially useful in mass plantings, low-water gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and naturalistic designs.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’
Common Name: The Blues – Little Bluestem
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial ornamental grass
Growth Habit: Upright, clumping, warm-season grass

The Blues – Little Bluestem Additional Information

The Blues – Little Bluestem is grown mainly for its steel-blue foliage and upright prairie form. As the season progresses, red stems and warm bronze, copper, and orange tones build into a strong fall display. Late-summer flowers are subtle, but the resulting fluffy seed heads catch light beautifully and often remain attractive into winter if left standing.

This deciduous perennial grass dies back above ground after the growing season and returns from the crown in spring. It is excellent for sunny borders, meadow plantings, slopes, cottage gardens, native plantings, and repeated drifts where texture and movement are desired. Once established, it handles periods of dry weather well in well-drained soil. Cut it back in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge, and divide mature clumps in spring if they become crowded or need refreshing.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Big Leaf Sedge in partial shade to full shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil and use it in groups for the strongest woodland groundcover effect.

2. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. Once established, keep soil evenly moist during dry periods, especially beneath tree canopies where roots compete for moisture.

3. Mulching: Apply a light layer of shredded leaves, compost, or fine mulch to help conserve moisture and build a woodland-style soil environment. Keep mulch from burying the crown.

4. Pruning: In late winter or early spring, remove browned or weather-worn foliage before fresh growth begins. Avoid cutting too low into the crown so the clump regrows cleanly.

Related Resources

FAQs

How large does The Blues - Little Bluestem grow?
The Blues – Little Bluestem commonly forms an upright clump about 2 to 3 feet tall and 1½ to 2 feet wide. Flowering stems can extend slightly above the foliage in late summer.
What color is The Blues - Little Bluestem?
Its narrow foliage develops a distinctive steel-blue summer color complemented by reddish stems. In fall, the entire clump transitions to warm shades of copper, orange, burgundy, and reddish purple.
When does The Blues - Little Bluestem produce seed heads?
Fine flowers typically emerge from late summer into early fall. They mature into fluffy, silvery seed tufts that catch the light and remain ornamental after the foliage turns coppery red.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Steel-Blue Summer Foliage
Fiery Autumn Color
Native Wildlife Value

Mature Height	Medium: Up to 4 ft
Mature Spread	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate
Botanical Name	Schizachyrium scoparium
Bloom Time	Early Fall
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Poaceae
Flower Color	White
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#2 Container

Green map of the United States with state boundaries outlined in black, all states shaded in green, on a white background.

Growing Zones 3-9 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -40)

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