General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions. Tolerant of high heat and humidity. Cut to the ground in late winter to early spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This little bluestem cultivar is an ornamental grass which typically grows 2-4' tall. Features erect, upright, broom-like clumps of slender leaves (1/4" wide) which are tinted blue. Pinkish-tinged culms (stems). Foliage acquires burgundy-red tones in autumn. Purplish-bronze flowers appear in 3" long racemes on branched stems rising above the foliage in August. Flowers give way to clusters of fluffy, silvery-white seed heads which may persist into early winter. Blue foliage and fall color are probably the best ornamental features of this grass. The species (see F510) is a Missouri native which was one of the dominant grasses of the rich and fertile soils of the tallgrass prairie.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses:

Borders, cottage gardens, wild gardens or prairie-like settings. Group or mass.

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