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Grass Like
Schizachyrium scoparium
blue stem
A densely-tufted, deciduous, perennial grass producing a mound of narrow, arching, blue-green leaves. Upright, silvery reddish-brown flowers appear in late summer. The whole plant turns orange-brown in autumn
Other common names
broom beard grassbroom grass
see morebunchgrass
little bluestem
prairie grass
wire grass
Synonyms
Andropogon scoparius
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Green Grey Silver Blue | ||
| Autumn | Brown Orange Red | Bronze Orange Red | ||
| Winter | Brown Orange | Brown Orange |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Schizachrium are deciduous, perennial grasses with flat, linear leaves, upright growth and narrowly-branched flower sprays
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down old stems and leaves in late winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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