Little Red Fox® Little Bluestem

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

24-30 Inches

Mature Spread

24 Inches

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Little Red Fox Little Bluestem brings bold, shifting color to the garden without the height of traditional prairie grasses. In spring, the foliage starts gray-green, then quickly develops red tones by midsummer, deepening into a mix of red, silver, and warm amber by fall. This compact selection tops out around 24 to 30 inches tall, keeping a tidy, upright form that resists flopping. Airy flower stems appear in late summer and persist into winter, adding texture long after flowering plants fade.

This warm-season native grass forms dense, basal clumps with fine, wiry blades and excellent structure. It is deer resistant, tolerant of heat and drought, and rarely troubled by pests or disease. Native to North America through its species lineage, it also supports wildlife by providing seed for birds and cover through winter. Little Red Fox works well in sunny borders, rain gardens, gravel gardens, slopes, and mixed perennial plantings. We often recommend Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Little Red Fox’ PP36,738 as a front-to-mid-border grass when you want fall color and winter presence without committing to a tall meadow species.

Little Red Fox® Little Bluestem Care

Plant Little Red Fox Little Bluestem in full sun to maintain its upright habit and strongest coloration. It adapts easily to sandy, rocky, loamy, or clay soils and performs well in sites with soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to mildly alkaline. Average to dry soil suits it best, though it tolerates brief wet periods once roots are established. This grass prefers lean conditions and does not require routine fertilizing; excess nutrients can reduce stem strength. Consistent sun exposure and open air circulation help prevent lodging late in the season.

Cut plants back close to the ground in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. Leaving foliage standing through winter protects the crown and provides habitat and visual interest. Avoid cutting back in fall, as the seed heads and stems remain attractive for months. Container-grown plants should overwinter outdoors in most regions but benefit from protection from excessive winter moisture.

Little Red Fox® Little Bluestem Spacing

Space Little Red Fox Little Bluestem 12 to 18 inches apart for dense groupings or groundcover-style plantings. For more natural spacing where individual clumps are highlighted, allow up to 24 inches between plants. When grown in containers, use pots at least 16 to 18 inches wide to accommodate the fibrous root system. Adequate spacing helps preserve airflow and maintains the plant’s upright form.

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