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

Lasting Winter Texture
Fiery Fall Color
Steel-Blue Foliage

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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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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 warm-season ornamental grass distinguished by steel-blue foliage, slender red stems, and an upright clumping habit. Copper-red fall color and luminous silvery seed heads extend its appeal through winter in sunny borders, meadow gardens, slopes, and naturalistic landscapes.

Why choose The Blues – Little Bluestem?

Choose The Blues – Little Bluestem for its exceptional steel-blue summer foliage and vivid seasonal transformation. This colorful cultivar forms tidy, vertical clumps that add structure without spreading aggressively by underground runners. Fine flowers and silvery seed tufts create movement from late summer onward, while the foliage develops glowing shades of copper, orange, burgundy, and red in fall. Once established, its adaptability to dry conditions and lean soils makes it especially valuable for native plantings, water-wise borders, erosion-control designs, and lower-maintenance landscapes.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’
Common Name: The Blues Little Bluestem
Plant Type: Warm-season perennial ornamental grass
Growth Habit: Narrow, upright, clump-forming, and fine-textured

The Blues – Little Bluestem Additional Information

The Blues – Little Bluestem typically grows approximately 2 to 3 feet tall and 1½ to 2 feet wide, with flowering stems sometimes rising slightly higher. New shoots emerge as the soil warms in late spring, gradually forming an upright clump of narrow, blue foliage accented by reddish stems. Delicate flower clusters appear from late summer into early fall and mature into fluffy, silver-white seed tufts that shimmer when backlit.

As temperatures cool, the foliage changes to rich copper, orange, burgundy, and reddish-purple tones. The dried stems retain attractive color and texture through winter, especially when planted in groups where they can move in the breeze. This North American native grass provides seeds and seasonal cover for wildlife and serves as a larval host for several native butterflies and moths. Use it in sunny perennial borders, native gardens, meadow plantings, dry slopes, or repeated masses. Cut the old stems back before new growth begins in spring.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Select a full-sun location with well-drained soil. Position the crown level with the surrounding grade, space plants 18 to 24 inches apart, and keep mulch from accumulating directly over the crown.

2. Watering: Water deeply and consistently during establishment, allowing the soil surface to begin drying between waterings. Established plants tolerate dry periods well, although occasional deep watering supports healthy growth during prolonged drought.

3. Fertilizing: Grow in lean to moderately fertile soil for the strongest upright form. Routine feeding is generally unnecessary; use a light application based on soil-test recommendations only when growth indicates a nutrient deficiency.

4. Pruning: Leave the copper-colored stems and silvery seed heads standing for winter character and wildlife cover. Cut old growth to approximately 4 to 6 inches in late winter or early spring.

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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Maintenance	Low	Medium	Low	Low	Low	Low