Prairie Blues Little Bluestem Grass

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Little Bluestem is one of the most loved of the native North American prairie grasses. Prairie Blues is a variety that holds its exceptional silvery-blue color late in the summer before turning a fiery orange for the fall and winter. The downy seed heads and colorful foliage make for good dried flower arrangements as well as an interesting addition to a vase of fresh cut flowers.

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem has a nice compact height and width that rarely needs staking or pruning during the summer. This perennial looks great mixed in with other ornamental grasses or used in a large group to provide a huge hit of color in a modern urban planting scheme. Little Bluestem are extremely tolerant of drought, poor soil, wind and deer. This plant also has great resistance to pests and disease and only requires minimal maintenance after being well established.

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem Care

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem will have the best color when planted in full sun. Shade early in the day or late in the afternoon is acceptable. A moist, well drained soil will help the roots establish well. Additional watering the first 2 years will be necessary. When mature, this grass is very drought tolerant. 

Annual Maintenance is very simple and straightforward. Cut back to 6-8 inches above the soil late in the winter or early summer as the new growth begins. Regular dividing will help to keep Prairie Blues growing vigorously. Every 3-4 years in the late summer, clumps can be dug up and separated into smaller pieces. Water the new plants in well and mulch lightly with leaves or organic compost to protect for the first winter.

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem Spacing

Prairie Blues Little Bluestem is considered a medium sized grass and is easily worked into the middle of any planted border or looks great on its own as a specimen in a container on a deck or patio. The mature height is 3-5 feet and the spread is 18-24 inches. Spacing plants at 20 inches on center is recommended. Plant this grass in a 16 inch diameter pot or larger.