Schizachyrium scoparium 'Twilight Zone' PP27432

Schizachyrium 'Twilight Zone' Little Bluestem

Late Fall Color

Common Name: Little Bluestem, Ornamental Grass

We are excited to bring you this Schizachyrium because it was a total standout in our trials. Though native Schizachyriums typically color up in fall, ‘Twilight Zone’ possesses a nearly iridescent silvery mauve purple cast all over the whole plant beginning in midsummer. It retains these eerily beautiful tones through fall when brighter purple highlights appear on the flower stems. The attractive foliage forms a strictly upright, narrowly columnar clump that is about half as wide as it is tall.

This grass would be stunning in combination with silver foliage plants like Silver Mound Artemisia in a sunny, hot, dry spot in the landscape.

Schizachyrium is a great choice if you are looking to restore an eroded site, or for a plant that will grow in hot, dry areas where other plants have a hard time surviving.

Height:

4.0-4.5 Feet

Spread:

2.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Tan shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades Purple shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Mid Fall

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Erosion Control Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Native to North America

This grass is terrific in a border or meadow setting. It needs full sun and is tolerant of heat and humidity. Schizachyrium can grow in either acidic or alkaline soils, and can tolerate a range of moisture conditions including average to extremely dry. It does not need to be fertilized. It's a good idea to cut this grass back to ground level in late fall in order to have a sturdier plant the coming year.

Characteristics