Overview
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' is a clump-forming grass in the genus Schizachyrium, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, prairie garden and naturalistic plantings. It is native to North America.
About
Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem or beard grass, is a species of North American prairie grass native to most of the contiguous United States as well as a small area north of the Canada–US border and northern Mexico. It is most common in the Midwestern prairies and is one of the most abundant native plants in Texas grasslands.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Schizachyrium scoparium
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Schizachyrium
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- full sun
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- ornamental grass, prairie garden, naturalistic plantings
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'?
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' need?
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Is Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' hardy in the UK?
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
