Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Create a lush, prairie-inspired landscape with the Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem or Schizachyrium scoparium. This ornamental grass has bluish-green foliage with red, orange, and silvery-gray accents. Summer flowers and fall seed pods are not very showy but provide more texture and support wildlife. This clump-forming grass is low maintenance and adaptable, and it’s a solid choice for an area needing color and style.
Create a captivating mass planting or add height and texture to the back of a mixed bed using the Little Bluestem. The deep roots aid in preventing soil erosion, making this ornamental grass a functional addition to a landscape. Little Bluestem is drought tolerant, and deer often leave it alone for added convenience in rural areas. Grow Little Bluestem in zones 5 through 10.
Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem Care
Plant Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem in full to part sun. This grass has average water needs but may need water during a drought. Plant it in moist, well-drained soil that is neutral to acidic in pH. This grass is not a heavy feeder and tolerates poor soils. Overfertilizing can cause leggy growth that flops over.
Little Bluestem is a prolific self-seeder, so remove the seed heads that appear in the fall or be prepared to remove seedlings. Divide this ornamental grass in the fall or spring. Trim back all growth to about 6 inches in early spring before new shoots emerge.
Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem Spacing
The Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Space plants 2 to 4 feet apart, and new clumps will fill in the empty areas.
Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 10 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Clumping, Upright
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Brown
- Flower Description
- Brown
- Bloom Time
- Late Summer
- Foliage Color
- , Blue, Green
- Foliage Description
- Blue, Green, Orange, Red, Silver
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem
- Also Known As
- Prairie Beardgrass
- Botanical Name
- Schizachyrium scoparium 'Ha Ha Tonka'
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!