Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'MinnblueA' BLUE HEAVEN)
Schizachyrium scoparium 'MinnblueA' BLUE HEAVEN offers striking blue-gray foliage and burgundy fall color. This Little bluestem is highly drought-tolerant.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN, commonly known as Little bluestem, is a spectacular native ornamental grass prized for its dramatic seasonal color shift, beginning with distinctive blue-gray foliage in summer. This cultivar maintains a notably narrow, upright habit, making it an excellent vertical accent in modern or naturalized landscapes. The sturdy structure of Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN provides year-round interest, transitioning from summer blues to intense burgundy and bronze tones in autumn.
This grass thrives in demanding conditions, showcasing remarkable drought tolerance once established, making it a cornerstone of sustainable, low-input gardening. Its structure originates from the vast tallgrass prairie region, affirming its resilience in various soil types, even poor or dry ones. Gardeners appreciate Little bluestem for its low maintenance profile and its ability to anchor prairie-style plantings or serve as an elegant, structural border plant.
The cultivar ‘MinnblueA’ specifically distinguishes itself with rich fall colors and excellent form, ensuring that the landscape remains dynamic long after many perennials have faded. From its light blue spring emergence to the fluffy, silvery seed heads that persist into winter, this variety of Little bluestem offers visual appeal across all four seasons.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Poaceae
- Plant Type: Ornamental grass
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-4 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2.5 ft
- Bloom Time: August to February
- Bloom Description: Reddish-brown
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Little bluestem establishes best when planted in full sun, which is crucial for maintaining its tight, upright posture and preventing late-season flopping. It requires dry to medium moisture conditions and prefers well-drained soil, although Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN shows impressive adaptability, tolerating clay soils and soils with shallow or rocky conditions. Perform any necessary spring cleanup by cutting the previous year’s growth back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Fertilizer is rarely necessary; this grass performs exceptionally well in poor soils, and over-fertilization can sometimes lead to weaker stems. Once established, its need for supplemental water is minimal due to its inherent drought resistance, making it ideal for xeriscaping or hot, sunny locations where summer irrigation is scarce.
Be mindful of its position; planting Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN in full sun helps mitigate the risk of the clump flopping over later in the season, ensuring the aesthetic value of its upright habit is maintained. It handles high heat and humidity well, confirming its suitability for diverse climates across Zones 3 through 9.
Landscape Uses
As a highly adaptable ornamental grass, Little bluestem excels in rain gardens, aligning perfectly with its suggested use, where it can handle occasional moisture while providing excellent structure. It is also perfectly suited for borders, lending vertical texture that contrasts nicely with mounding perennials. Grouping or massing these plants creates sweeping, meadow-like effects reminiscent of the native tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
Consider using Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN in rock gardens or dry slopes where its tolerance for shallow, poor soil becomes a distinct advantage. Its vibrant fall color makes it an outstanding structural element near wood margins or in cottage gardens, providing warmth as the season cools.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly called little bluestem, is native to prairies, fields, clearings, hills, limestone glades, roadsides, waste areas and open woods from Alberta to Quebec south to Arizona and Florida. ‘MinnblueA’, commonly marketed under the trade name of BLUE HEAVEN, is a little bluestem cultivar that is noted for its blue-gray foliage, burgundy-red fall color and narrow upright plant form. Erect, broom-like clumps of slender, flat, linear leaves emerge light blue in spring, darkening to blue-gray in summer before turning burgundy red with pink and purple tones in fall.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Black Walnut
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This plant generally faces no serious insect or disease problems, establishing itself as a highly reliable, low-maintenance choice for perennial beds. Its resilience means gardeners usually spend little to no time managing pests or common fungal issues, provided the site offers adequate sunlight and drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Little bluestem suitable for?
Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN is hardy across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 9.
How large does Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN grow?
This ornamental grass typically reaches a height between 2 to 4 feet, with a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 feet at full maturity.
What sun exposure does Little bluestem need?
For the best density and color display, this grass absolutely requires full sun exposure throughout the day.
When does Little bluestem bloom?
The cultivar blooms between August and February, featuring small, reddish-brown flowers that lead to attractive, fluffy seed heads.
Conclusion
Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN remains a top selection for gardeners seeking year-round structure, exceptional drought tolerance, and vibrant seasonal changes, particularly its signature blue-gray to burgundy shift. Integrating this reliable Little bluestem into your design ensures low care requirements in full sun locations. Ensure proper site selection, emphasizing well-drained soil, before incorporating this versatile grass into your landscape plans this coming season.
Companion Planting
When designing plantings around this tough grass, select companions that share a preference for full sun and dry to medium moisture conditions. Native prairie flowers like Coneflowers (Echinacea) and Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) pair beautifully, as they offer contrasting flower shapes and late summer color palettes that complement the ongoing drama of the Little bluestem foliage. For texture, consider pairing it with low-growing Sedums or silvery-foliaged Artemisia, which can handle similar dry soil conditions without competing heavily for nutrients.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For optimal performance of your Schizachyrium scoparium ‘MinnblueA’ BLUE HEAVEN, adopt a seasonal maintenance schedule. In late winter or very early spring, perform the essential annual pruning by cutting all old, beige foliage down to about 2-3 inches above the ground right before green shoots emerge. During the active growing season (late spring through summer), monitor moisture levels, ensuring deep but infrequent watering until the root system is fully established, after which supplemental water is rarely needed. Allow the reddish-brown flower heads to remain standing through fall and winter to provide texture and food for birds before the spring cutback.
