Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue' - Blue Indian Grass

All the Sorghastrums have eye-catching flowers, especially when the pollen is set. S. Sioux Blue, with its grey-blue foliage offers a stunning contrast with the red tones of the flowers. The height of the plants is enhanced with extra moisture.

Description: warm season; sod forming (slow spreader)
Foliage is bright blue; upright; medium blade width; 150-175 cm (60-70")
Flowers July until frost, 175-200 cm (70-80")

Ideal conditions: full sun; needs ample water but is adaptable and very drought tolerant once established

Coldest zone: 4 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Season of interest: August to winter

Suggested uses: masses, drifts, naturalizing, wildlife

Partner with: Festuca idahoensis 'Siskiyou Blue', Coreopsis tripteris, Patrinia scabisiofolia

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every week) further info

Recommended spacing between plants: 60-100cm (24-40") 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 4" from the crown of the plant.

Pronunciation: Sorghastrum (sor-GAS-trum) nutans (NOO-tanz)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue' to our other grasses in this handy chart.