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Schizachyrium scoparium [ ski - za - KRY - ee - um , sko - PAIR - ee - um ] , is a eccentric of prairie grass found throughout most of the United States except for theatrical role of the West Coast .
It ’s most common in the prairies of the Midwest .
unremarkably call small blue stem or beard smoke , Schizachyrium scoparium is part of the Poaceae family ( grass ) .
It ’s aneasy - to - turn ornamental grassperforming in a smorgasbord of setting .
Schizachyrium Scoparium Care
Size and Growth
Flowering and Fragrance
The flowers are unimportant . The stalks appear in the middle of summertime , rising above the leafage .
The stalks hit 4′ to 5′ feet tall with small efflorescence containing violet - bronze petals .
downlike seed heads follow the flowers .
The silver - lily-white source head cover the circus tent of the plant and last into the colder seasons , adding winter interest to the landscape .
Light and Temperature
To bring out the colouration in the leaf , plant Schizachyrium scoparium in full sun .
If grow as a houseplant , site it near a windowpane receiving direct sunlight for part of the day .
lilliputian bluestem grass is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zona 3 to 9 .
It grows well in most regions throughout North America as it ’s found from Arizona to Florida and Alberta to Quebec .
Watering and Feeding
water system untested plants when the soil is totally dry , typically once per week during the summertime and once every two or three hebdomad during the winter .
If the part get significant rain , it may not need water at all . Overwatering may kill the plant .
Once established , ripe plants become drought resistant .
It also abide in high spirits heat , define the need for frequent watering .
Use dilute fertilizer to promote marvellous growth unless the short bluestem Mary Jane is planted in rich , fertile soil .
Soil and Transplanting
Grooming
cut back back the foliage in the winter or the start of spring .
As the temperatures rise , new development appears .
How to Propagate Little Bluestem Grass
Propagate Schizachyrium scoparium from cum or divisions .
As with transplanting , the division is best perform in the spring .
Harvest semen from the plant life between September and October .
Little Bluestem Grass Pest or Disease Problems
Schizachyrium scoparium does n’t suffer from major pest or disease problem .
Most insects go forth the plant alone . However , caterpillars may feed on the foliage .
Get rid of caterpillarsby hired man and send packing them in a bucket of soapy water supply . Consider adding a barrier of mulch around the foundation of the plant life .
While the industrial plant is virtually disease - detached once established , overwatering is a vulgar problem as little Andropogon furcatus seldom needs watering .
If the leaves start to lose their color or slump to the undercoat , it ’s likely overwatered .
If overwatering take place late in the season , stop tearing and wait until the bound to trim back the foliation , allowing fresh leaf to grow from the mound .
The plant is n’t list as incursive but may become invasive in some surround , such as areas with warm and humid summertime .
Suggested Schizachyrium Scoparium Uses
Little bluestem Mary Jane is oft cultivated as an decorative supergrass for raised gardens , borders , or prairie - like environments .
It get well in chemical group , creating a mass of tall , colourful dope .
