Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'

Densely-tufted, deciduous, perennial grass about 1m tall, producing a mound of sturdy, fine-textured, glaucous blue leaves. Upright, silvery grey-blue flowers appear in late summer and early autumn. The whole plant usually turns red, orange and copper in autumn and winter

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Blue
Summer Grey Silver Blue Grey Silver Blue
Autumn Bronze Orange Red Bronze Orange Red
Winter Brown Orange Brown Orange
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Schizachrium are deciduous, perennial grasses with flat, linear leaves, upright growth and narrowly-branched flower sprays

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in very well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down old stems and leaves in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.