The Blues Little Bluestem Grass

You won’t be singing them, but you will be enjoying them, when you set your eyes on The Blues Little Bluestem Grass. A slender, upright column of leaves and flower spikes, this super-tough grass is ideal for hot, sunny and dry locations, and it enjoys the heat and humidity of the south. The narrow, upright leaves are rich blue, with pink tones around the base of the stems. In summer narrow flower panicles grow up, carrying purple-brown grass flowers that change into fluffy, silver seeds by fall. Once the colder weather arrives the leaves turn gorgeous shades of burgundy reds, and the whole plant gradually fades to soft beige through winter. This is one of the toughest and easiest grasses to grow, and it isn’t invasive, staying neatly in a narrow column. Plant it in any garden style, including prairie gardens, woodlands, on slopes and banks, and among perennials in a more classic look. It is also great mixed with other grasses in a dedicated area, perhaps with boulders and gravel – super-beautiful for very little effort.

• Upright column of slender blue leaves
• Summer flower spikes are pink, with red-brown flowers and silver seeds
• Leaves turn bright burgundy red in fall
• Whole plant turns soft beige in winter
• Great native plant for hot, humid and sun-drenched locations

For strong, upright growth, plant The Blues Little Bluestem Grass in full sun – it loves it, and the colors will be at their strongest. Grow it in any well-drained soil, including poor, dry soils, clays and gravels. Once established it is quite drought tolerant, yet it also tolerates occasional flooding. Deer only eat it when they are desperate, and it doesn’t have any pest or disease problems. The only care needed it to cut it down to one or two inches tall, anytime from late fall to early spring, but remember to do it before the new growth starts, to avoid cutting the new leaves.