Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues'

RHS Plant Profile
blue stem 'Prairie Blues'

Synonyms

Andropogon gerardii 'Prairie Blues'
Andropogon scoparius 'Prairie Blues'

Grass Like

Densely-tufted, deciduous, perennial grass about 1m tall, producing an upright mound of narrow, arching, grey to blue-green leaves. Upright, silvery blue-green flowers in racemes of wispy spikelets, appear in late summer and early autumn. The whole plant turns red, orange and copper colours in autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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 sharply drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down old stems and leaves in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free