Ha Ha Tonka Little Bluestem

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 10

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.