Little bluestem, scientifically known as Schizachyrium scoparium, is a famous ornamental plant that many people like to cultivate in their gardens, as well as keep inside their homes. The easy nature of the plant makes it a favourite among gardeners in North America. One of the most striking features of this platform is its blue-green foliage, which also turns into red, orange, and copper as fall progresses. You will also be surprised to see silvery white heads in the grass in late summer, which adds more character and essence to your garden.
The plant can also be a great addition to your pollinator garden, as it attracts pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects, to your garden and provides shelter to them. If you are also interested in adding this plant to your garden, then you can use this guide to learn how to plant and care for Little Bluestem.
How Can You Plant a Little Bluestem Correctly?
It is not very difficult for people to plant Little Bluestem if they have the correct instructions. Adhere to the details that we are giving here to grow your own little bluestem.
When to plant:
Little bluestem is a warm-season grass; thus, spring is the best time to plant so that plants can develop robust roots before going through challenging winter circumstances. Planting early summer is also successful, but ensures to hydrate small plants during dry spells to assist them in establishing.
Where to grow:
Little bluestem prefers a location with at least six to eight hours of straight sunshine every day. Though it can withstand some faint shadow, too much shadow can cause sluggish growth and less vivid fall hues.
Soil:
As long as they are well-drained, they will flourish in a variety of soil types: sandy, loamy, even rocky, and will grow. Unless it is amended with organic matter to increase drainage, refrain from growing in thick clay.
Planting:
Create a twice as large hole that is as deep as the root ball. Make sure the crown is level with the surrounding soil as you install your plant in the hole. Water deeply, gently tamp down to eliminate air pockets, and cover the hole with soil. Usually, until they are established, water plants.
Spacing:
Allow for their clump-forming growth habit by spacing plants around 18 to 24 inches apart when establishing little bluestem in groups.
Tips to Care for Little Bluestem
- Watering: Water the little bluestem once every week during its first growing season to encourage a solid root system. Established little bluestem can resist drought and only requires watering during protracted dry periods. Overwatering will make the plants flop over; thus, resist.
- Fertilizer: Little bluestem prefers soils ranging from poor to somewhat fertile and needs little or no extra fertilization. Too nutritious soil can cause drooping or lodging, a condition where the plant’s stems topple at the base.
- Pruning: To offer aesthetic interest as well as food and shelter for animals, leave the little bluestem’s leaves and seed heads standing across the winter. Cut the development from the prior year back to nearly ground level in late winter to early spring. Small bluestem will start to fill in with fresh, robust growth as the soil temperatures rise in late spring.
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