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Little bluestem (
Schizachyrium scoparium) is an adaptable native grass that is perfect for small or large Midwestern gardens. I've grown the straight species for years. Last year I planted one Schizachyrium 'Carousel' that I received as a
free* trial plant. It's a
Chicagoland Grows introduction. After observing it in the garden for a year, I am impressed with this cultivar.
It sprouts with glaucous foliage that sets off any neighboring plants and remains that way all summer.
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| Schizachyrium 'Carousel' screening Baptisia 'Midnight Prairie Blues' in June |
I planted it in front of a Baptisia under my first sculpture.
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| August 2010 |
It blooms in August.
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| Schizachyrium 'Carousel' in bloom |
The flowers aren't as interesting as the seedheads.
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| Schizachyrium 'Carousel' seedheads |
By October, it is at its showiest.
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| October 2010, without supplement watering |
Unfortunately, last fall was unusually dry, but when there's adequate moisture, the fall foliage sings.
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| Schizachyrium 'Carousel' in fall color |
The above photo has not been colored enhanced, that's how it looked in September 2009, with the foliage showing orange, red and purple. Compared with the straight species, it is shorter, much more colorful, and stands up slightly better in snow. By winter, the foliage has turned buff, and stands out well against the snow.
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Carousel' is suitable in zones 3-9, in full sun to part shade. It is drought tolerant, clump forming, and grows to 30" tall and wide. It's worth searching for and planting, for year 'round beauty.
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My evaluation of this plant has been in no way influenced by the fact that I didn't pay for it. I'd be willing to buy it, as it is, simply, a wonderful plant.
19 comments:
Now this might be a grass worth growing. I love the artful first photo here.
Good photos. I've never noticed this grass blooming. That is an interesting shot.
I've heard many good things about this cultivar...I should add some to my garden! That fall color is beautiful!
I love this species... I'm not familiar with this cultivar, but the variety 'The Blue' is simply stunning.
I like this grass a lot MMD~and will check locally to see if it will be offered. gail
I love any bluestem but that one looks great. Bluestems always remind me of the hill country in Texas. :-/
I've got the straight species little bluestem and love it. It does flop in winter though. I wonder if I could do the perennial pruning thing midsummer and it would help it not grow so tall. Works with stonecrop!
I would love to grow bluestem in my garden. If only the cat would stop eating it and let it grow to its full potential.
Love the bluestems, thanks for showcasing this one.
Lisa - It's so low maintenance and so pretty, it's definitely worth growing.
Patsy - thanks. I get very close to my plants.
ROR - You can never have too many grasses.
Greensparrow - I actually think 'The Blue' would fit in better with my color scheme, but I'm willing to accept orange into the garden in fall.
Gail - it's a Proven Winners plant, so it should be available.
Jean - I like big bluestem too, but I don't have a big enough garden for that one.
Kylee - I don't think that works with grasses. It sort of turns them into turf.
Susan - I've never had a cat, so I don't know if deer repellent would stop one.
Patty - they are such great plants for setting off flowers.
I didn't mean cutting them ALL the way back, just a third or something. But yeah, since you really don't want them to branch out, it likely wouldn't work. Maybe water them with diluted rubbing alcohol like the paper whites? LOLOL
Your first photo is so pretty with all the color. Great grass too.
Schizachyrium 'Carousel' looks incredible! Hardy to zone 3? I simply must find this plant!
This is very useful. Thanks, I'll look for this cultivar.
Did you say schizophrenia? ;-) I love that 'Carousel.' Is it in a pretty sunny spot? (I'd think so) Did it turn that many colors this past Fall?
A beautiful grass, I will have to look out for it. My book says it prefers poor soil (which I guess makes sense, coming from the prairies) and in rich soil would grow too fast and flop. So not for my current garden but filed away for future reference, anything that gives such wonderful Autumn colour deserves consideration!
Hmm. Not sure.
Lucy
I've got the straight species and I love it and can't imagine it being improved upon, until now. Great post!
Awesome! I love my Little Bluestem (The Blues) but this one looks worthy of some further investigation for other parts of the garden!
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