Bluestem grasses, encompassing species such as Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), are valued for their landscaping potential. These native American grasses add beauty and ecological benefits to gardens. Their adaptability makes them a favored choice for resilient and visually appealing outdoor spaces.
Benefits of Bluestem in Landscaping
Bluestem grasses offer ecological and aesthetic advantages. They support native plant restoration, providing habitat and food for wildlife. Their dense growth and deep root systems control erosion, stabilizing soil.
Aesthetically, bluestem provides year-round visual interest. Foliage changes from blue-green in summer to coppery-red, orange, or purple in fall and winter. The grasses’ movement adds texture and a calming presence. Practically, bluestem is low-maintenance and adapts to various soil types.
Choosing the Right Bluestem Varieties
Choosing the right bluestem variety depends on landscaping goals, considering height, spread, and color.
Big Bluestem
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a tall, warm-season grass, typically 4 to 8 feet tall. Its distinctive “turkey foot” seed heads appear in late summer. Foliage emerges blue-green, developing reddish tinges in summer and reddish-bronze or copper-red in autumn. It suits larger spaces, meadows, or background elements.
Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is more compact, typically 2 to 4 feet tall and 1.5 to 2 feet wide. Its fine texture and upright, clumping habit suit various garden sizes. Summer foliage is blue-green or silvery-blue, shifting to vibrant coppery-red, purple, or orange in fall and persisting into winter.
Popular cultivars include:
‘The Blues’: deep blue foliage.
‘Standing Ovation’: strong, upright form with blue-green leaves and purplish bases, turning red to orange in fall.
‘Blaze’: intense pinkish-orange, reddish-purple, or vivid red fall color.
‘Jazz’: silvery blue foliage transitioning to deep bronze.
Designing with Bluestem
Bluestem grasses integrate effectively into various landscape designs, offering aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. They excel in mass plantings, mimicking natural prairie landscapes and providing seasonal interest. Their upright forms serve as vertical accents or living screens, especially Big Bluestem. Smaller Little Bluestem varieties suit borders, rock gardens, or container plantings, adding texture and color.
When designing, consider bluestem’s scale with other plants and structures. Pairing it with native or complementary plants enhances diversity and synergy. Companion plants include coneflowers (Echinacea), asters, coreopsis, and blazing star (Liatris), creating vibrant, layered gardens. Bluestem’s year-round appeal, from spring emergence to persistent winter structure, ensures continuous interest. Little Bluestem’s feathery seed heads remain attractive through cold months and provide food for birds.
Planting and Care for Bluestem
Successful bluestem establishment begins with site selection. Both Big and Little Bluestem thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours daily for optimal growth and color. Big Bluestem tolerates some partial shade, but too much can cause leggy growth and flopping.
Bluestem grasses adapt to well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay. They do not tolerate consistently wet or highly alkaline conditions.
When planting bare roots or potted plants, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Ensure the crown is level with or slightly above the soil surface to prevent rot. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for groups.
During the first one to two growing seasons, water new plants regularly to establish deep roots. Once established, bluestem is drought-tolerant, needing minimal supplemental water, mainly during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering can lead to weak stems and lodging.
Fertilization is generally not required, as bluestem thrives in low-fertility soils; excessive nutrients can cause flopping. If soil is very poor, a light compost application in spring can help.
For maintenance, cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth. This encourages vigorous growth and maintains tidiness. Division of established clumps can be done in early spring if overcrowded or losing vigor, though it’s not often necessary. Bluestem grasses are resistant to most pests and diseases.