Extension Spotlight

Little Bluestem is the most widely distributed native grass in the United States according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Now its cultivated varieties have been chosen as the Perennial Plant of 2022. For our western region, Schizachryium scoparium “The Blues” and Schizachyrium scoparium “Standing Ovation” are two great choices for the landscape.

What makes it the most widely distributed native grass is its ability to grow on a wide variety of well-drained, moderate to dry, infertile soils. What makes it great for growing out west is that it does well in soils with a soil pH of 7.0 and higher. Little Bluestem tolerates drought which is another plus.

Both these cultivated varieties have outstanding color displays. With Schizachryium scoparium “The Blues” grows two to four feet with blue tinted foliage turning burgundy-red in the fall. The blossoms of purple-bronze flowers appear in August above the foliage. This is a great plant to be used in mass or as a groundcover to soften an area of the hardscape in landscape such as a concrete walkway.

Schizachyrium scoparium “Standing Ovation” has blue leaf blades with red tips in the summer turning into a fall display of red and maroon. According to Missouri Botanic Garden, “Standing Ovation” was discovered as a plant mutation in Landenberg, Pennsylvania in the summer of 2003. “The Blues” may be a likely parent, but this is still unproven.

These grasses do well in areas of full sun. These grasses have required low water requirements. If you water too much the grasses will flop over or the root system will rot. Think Xeriscape with their drought tolerant and drought resistance being so high. But the best news it these grasses are insect and disease-free plants. Other than cutting them back in the spring, that makes them low maintenance.

The seed heads will provide food for the birds besides the winter interest in the landscape. In addition, butterfly species will forage on the nectar. Dusted Skipper, Crossline Skipper and Ottoe Skipper can be found in the northern range of Colorado according to Butterflies and Moths of North America. Native bees and rangeland birds also feed on the seed heads of these grasses.

Add these eye-catching grasses to your landscape and give the wildlife a benefit as well. You might consider adding Weigela Very Fine Wine with its burgundy foliage and pink blossoms to offset the blue foliage.