Growing Schizachyrium
Latin Name Pronunciation: skits-ah-keer’ ee-um
Of the approximately seventy Schizachyrium species worldwide, 9 are native to North America, with only Schizachyrium scoparium in widespread commercial cultivation. These drought-tolerant, perennial, clump-forming, warm-season Grasses with deep roots actively grow from June into early September, remain green through hot weather, and go dormant in fall, often standing upright through winter. They prefer full sun and very well-drained, not overly-rich soils, and are salt-tolerant.Growing Schizachyrium
Plant the crown just at soil level, or slightly above if you will be adding mulch. Spacing is indicated on the back of the plant tag. Shade and excess fertility or moisture will cause plants to flop.Light: Sun
Watering: Low water needs, prefers dry soils and thrives in periods of drought. Water deeply when planting and supplement as needed to establish.
Fertilizer: Do not fertilize. Excess nutrients can cause plants to flop. Grows well in poor soil. Mulch with previous season’s growth, sterile straw, or gravel, if possible. If mulching with wood products, apply sparingly and do not let it pile up around the crown.
Soil: Medium to dry, well-drained soil. Tolerant of poor soil conditions including sandy, low-nutrient, and acidic soils.
Pests/Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free, although voles may feed on the crown. Excess moisture-retaining wood product mulch can foster fungal diseases.
Dividing/Transplanting: Little Bluestem hardly ever needs dividing. If the center of the plant dies out as it ages, or is hollowed out by voles, dig up the entire clump with a sharp, sturdy spade and cut into sections for replanting. Dividing and transplanting are best done in spring when plants are actively growing but may be done when plants are still dormant.
End-of-Season Care: We suggest you let these warm-season Grasses remain standing over the winter, cutting them down to 4-6" in spring. You can also cut them back when they turn brown in fall, if you prefer (they’re a wonderful addition to dried bouquets), or on an agreeable winter day if they look bedraggled after a few storms. If voles are a problem in your garden, trim off shorter basal foliage in fall to deprive them of cover, but let taller stems with seeds remain. Left standing, dried Grasses provide habitat and food for numerous birds, beneficial insects, and animals, and will enliven your landscape with sound and texture.