Blaze Little Bluestem Grass

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze', commonly known as Blaze Little Bluestem, is a perky ornamental grass with outstanding fall color. Its tall, blue-green blades take on a vase-like shape and turn spectacular shades of red, purple, and orange in the fall. In winter, the grass takes on pink hues as it goes dormant. This cultivar was selected in Nebraska as a high-yield pasture grass and eventually developed for ornamental use in nurseries. 

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze' is an upright, warm-season grass that reaches 2 – 3 feet high and 18 inches wide. It retains the drought resistant characteristic of little bluestem grass and is a great choice for xeriscaping. It is cold hardy to zone 3 and resistant to most pests, diseases, and deer. Plant ‘Blaze’ in drifts to add color and movement to a prairie or meadow gardens, or use it in containers for a fuss-free, unique planting.

Blaze Little Bluestem Care

‘Blaze’ performs best in full sun, with at least 6 – 8 hours of sun a day. It is highly adaptable and grows well in dry, poor, clay, sandy, and average soils. It is not particular about soil pH and should not be fertilized. Water new plants regularly over the summer to establish drought tolerance. This grass requires well-draining soil and should not sit in water-logged soil. 

Cut this grass back hard in late winter or early spring. It has no special requirements for winter care.

Blaze Little Bluestem Spacing

When planting in groups, space these plants approximately 15 inches apart on center. This grass can also be grown in a frost-proof container at least 12 inches in diameter with excellent drainage.

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