About
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze' is a cultivar of little bluestem in the grass family Poaceae, notable for its summer flowering from July to September. It develops an upright, mound-forming clump of narrow leaves that are blue‑green in the growing season and take on coppery to orange tones in autumn. The cultivar carries the botanical name Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze' and belongs to the genus Schizachyrium. Flowering stalks appear in mid to late summer and persist into autumn.
About the genus
Schizachyrium is a widespread genus of plants in the grass family. The name is derived from the Ancient Greek words σχίζειν, meaning "to split," and ἄχυρον, meaning "chaff." It refers to either the glume or the toothed lemmas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Schizachyrium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Schizachyrium
In the garden
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze' is a cultivated form of little bluestem (genus Schizachyrium) within the grass family Poaceae. Originating from the North American prairie flora, the species is a warm‑season grass that flowers in the UK from July to September; the cultivar 'Blaze' is selected for its clear seasonal colour changes and upright habit. Flowering stalks arise through mid‑summer and provide vertical structure above the foliage. Plant in a sunny, open spot where the clump can be displayed; the species thrives where it receives plenty of light. It prefers a free‑draining soil and performs well on leaner ground, where vigorous growth and good autumn colouration are typical. Water young plants until established, after which they tolerate periods of dryness better than waterlogged situations. Use Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze' in informal meadow schemes, mixed grass borders or at the back of a perennial bed where its late summer flowerheads can show above lower planting. Allow the flowering stems to remain into autumn to show the cultivar's seasonal colour before making a hard cutback in early spring to clear last year’s foliage and reveal fresh shoots.
