Little Bluestem

Planting & Care for Bluestem Native Ornamental Grasses

Preparation

• The Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a warm season, clump forming grass.
• The blue-green foliage provides a great backdrop for the prairie flowers in summer, turning a striking crimson in fall.
• It's a clump-forming grass that pairs nicely with prairie flowers.
• It grows two or three feet tall on well-drained sand and loam, and excels in dry sandy and rocky soils.
• Not recommended for heavy clay or damp soils.
• Be sure to plant in full sun for best results.
• Mature size is around 2-3’ tall and wide.  
• Hardiness zone 4 (or possibly 3).

Opening Plant Material

• Containers - Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, then remove. You’re now ready to plant.
• Scroll down to an orange rectangular box and click on “Handling & Plant Guidelines” for illustration on planting each of these types.

Planting containers

• Plant in March, May – November.
• Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
• With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
• Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
• Place the root ball in the hole.
• Notice where the base of the trunk flairs out from the tree. This is called the root flair. This root flair should show when the tree is planted. If necessary, add soil under the ball so the root flair is exposed.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
• Backfill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.

Pruning - After Planting

• Containers - Although it is not essential for containers to be pruned after planting, a light pruning for shape, to remove any broken branches from shipping, or to thin out a heavily branched plant will help in the transplanting process and in the appearance of your new planting.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• See our “Videos” tab for an instructional video on when and how to prune ornamental grasses.

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information & tips on caring and maintaining this plant.