Little Bluestem 'Blaze'

Little Bluestem ‘Blaze’ (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Blaze’) is one of those grasses that quietly looks good all summer and then suddenly becomes the star of the garden in fall. Its narrow blue-green blades shift dramatically into fiery shades of orange, red, purple, and pink as temperatures cool, bringing movement and color long after many perennials are fading. The upright form stays tidy and architectural, making it equally useful in modern landscapes, meadow-style plantings, and water-wise gardens.

This grass is especially valued for its toughness and adaptability. Once established, it handles heat, drought, poor soils, and Utah’s fluctuating conditions with very little maintenance. The feathery seed heads add texture through winter and provide habitat value for birds and beneficial insects, while the foliage creates beautiful motion in even the slightest breeze.

Photos by Conservation Garden Park