Overview

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR is a clump forming grass like in the genus Schizachyrium, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting and flower borders and beds.

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.

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 4.0Schizachyrium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Schizachyrium

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Grass Like
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR

Propagation
Seed, Division in spring
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR?

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR need?

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR hardy in the UK?

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'PBR 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 'Smoke Signal'PBR?

Seed, Division in spring.

More in the Schizachyrium genus

Browse all Schizachyrium