Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze'
- Blaze Little Bluestem
aka Andropogon scoparius
The same applies to Little bluestem 'Blaze' as applies to Schizachyrium
scoparium, the species. It is great massed and sways beautifully in
a breeze. It also makes an excellent transition plant between the garden
and a natural field or meadow. The tiny flowers are spectacular when
backlit.
The fine foliage and distinctive upright flowers pass through an array
of colour changes in the autumn after frost.
Description: warm season; clump forming
Foliage is grey-green; 7mm (1/4") wide; 50-100 cm (20-40") in height
Flowers late July to Sept; 100-120 cm (40-48') tall
Ideal conditions: full sun; well drained soil; excessive
moisture and fertile soil will cause the tall flower stems to fall over
Coldest zone: 3 (find your
zone; further info on plant hardiness)
Partner with: Scrophularia,
Deschampsia 'Pixie
Fountain', Panicum
amarum 'Dewey Blue'
Season of interest: August to winter
Native to: species is native to the prairies and open
woods, dry fields and hills of North America, from Quebec to Alberta
and south to Arizona and Florida
Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once
every 2 weeks); further info
Recommended spacing between plants: 45-90 cm (18-36")
why such a difference?
When to divide: when it shows signs of
life in the spring, continuing until the new growth is about
12" tall; only in the spring (further
info on dividing grasses)
When to plant or transplant: plant bare root plants
only in late spring to early summer, when the soil
is warm, about the same time you plant your bean or corn
seeds. The roots will grow only in warm soil. Planting too
early in the spring may cause the roots to rot. Similar
story in the fall when the roots may not grow enough to
establish before the cold and wet of winter, resulting in
the demise of the plant.
When to cut back: before the new growth
starts to appear, but after the cold weather is over. Cut
back to about 3-4" from the crown of the plant.
Pronounced: Schizachyrium (skits-ah-KEER-ee-um)
scoparium (skoh-PAIR-ee-um)
Menu of ornamental grasses
Compare Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze' to our other grasses
in this handy chart.
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