The Blues Little Bluestem
The blues little bluestem is a very drought-tolerant, native grass grown for its ornamental characteristics. During it's active growth period in summer, it has gorgeous, bright blue leaves.
The foliage turns red during the fall and remains so all winter.
It has a pleasing, upright habit and pretty, fluffy seedheads in fall. It is a fantastic choice because of its ability to withstand Colorado Springs' erratic weather.
The Blues Little Bluestem
The blues little bluestem is a very drought-tolerant, native grass grown for its ornamental characteristics. During it's active growth period in summer, it has gorgeous, bright blue leaves.
The foliage turns red during the fall and remains so all winter.
It has a pleasing, upright habit and pretty, fluffy seedheads in fall. It is a fantastic choice because of its ability to withstand Colorado Springs' erratic weather.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'
Pronunciation
shi-za-KEER-ee-um sko-PAIR-ee-um
Mature Height
2 to 3 ft.
Mature Spread
1 to 2 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
tan
Bloom time
fall
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
species in native to north America
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,000 ft.
Performance
The blues little bluestem has performed very well at the Xeriscape Garden. The blue color of the leaves during the growing season is very pleasing.
Its fall leaf color is nice, but not quite as intensely orange as blaze little bluestem. It will tolerate a range of low and very low water situations.
Grow it in a drier section of your landscape. If it gets too much water, it will flop. Highly recommended.
Maintenance
Summer growth can be left standing for winter interest, if desired. Cut stems and leaves to ground level before new growth begins in spring.
See in a landscape
Narrow strips like this can be a tough place for grass to grow because of the heat from the surrounding concrete and the difficulty of watering a narrow area. That's why these plants are a great choice for an area like this. Not only do they like the extra heat from the wall and sidewalk, but they enjoy being kept on the dry side. The yellow-blooming chocolate flower will thank you for not over-watering by blooming all season long! Many of the plants found in this garden are native to Colorado.
Xeriscape is a great opportunity to showcase plants with different colors and textures. This yard uses ornamental trees, evergreen shrubs, striking ornamental grasses and a native grass lawn to breathe life into a yard that used to be all Kentucky bluegrass. The parkway strip is home to the existing juniper that has been partnered with large maiden grasses and a pathway which accommodates foot traffic from the street parking. A native grass turf covers about half of the remaining yard with planting beds around the perimeter that feature low water perennials, grasses and groundcovers.