Product Description
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise' PP28145 CPBR5650 (30)ct Flat
PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection
Common Name: Little Bluestem, Ornamental Grass
The habit is very upright and columnar and maintains its upright habit through fall. At 3½ feet tall, this grass will be the perfect backdrop to your garden. True to its name, ‘Blue Paradise’ has striking silvery blue stems in summer. In the fall, this grass takes center stage as the leaves develop a deep wine purple color. In early fall, tiny tan seed heads appear on the top half of the stems. Deer resistant
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.
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.
Height: 3 to 3.5 Feet, Spread: 2 Feet
Foliage Color: Blue shades - Purple shades
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Full sun
Blooms Late summer to Early fall
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Foliage, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Erosion Control, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Focal Point, Native to North America
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise', also called Little Bluestem 'Blue Paradise' or PRAIRIE WINDS® 'Blue Paradise', is a cultivar of Little Bluestem grass. This ornamental grass was developed by Walters Gardens and is a popular choice for gardeners because of its beautiful silvery-blue foliage and vibrant fall color.
'Blue Paradise' is a cultivar of the North American native Little Bluestem. It typically grows 3 to 3.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, but it can reach up to 4 feet in ideal conditions. It has an upright, columnar habit that remains sturdy throughout the fall, unlike some other Little Bluestem cultivars that tend to flop. The foliage is a striking silvery-blue in the summer, and this color intensifies with cooler temperatures. In the fall, the foliage transforms into shades of deep wine-purple and burgundy. Tiny tan seed heads emerge in early fall and provide visual interest that lasts into the winter. 'Blue Paradise' is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.
Growing Conditions This grass thrives in full sun and tolerates heat and humidity. It can grow in various soil types, including acidic or alkaline soils, and tolerates a range of moisture conditions from average to extremely dry. It is also drought-tolerant once established. 'Blue Paradise' is salt tolerant, making it a good choice for gardens near roads or sidewalks that are salted in winter.
Uses 'Blue Paradise' has a variety of uses in the landscape. It is an excellent choice for borders, where its upright habit can act as a backdrop for lower-growing perennials and annuals. In meadows and prairie-like gardens, it blends seamlessly with other native grasses and wildflowers, creating a naturalistic look. It can also be used for erosion control on banks and slopes. Its upright habit and unique color make it a good choice for adding vertical interest and texture to container gardens.
Wildlife Benefits Little Bluestem 'Blue Paradise' provides habitat and food for wildlife. It acts as a larval host for nine skipper species and offers overwintering shelter for various insects. The seeds are a food source for birds.
Maintenance This grass is very low-maintenance and does not require fertilization. It is best to cut it back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps to maintain a tidy appearance and encourages vigorous growth in the spring.
Companion Plants 'Blue Paradise' can be paired with other native plants that enjoy similar growing conditions. Some good companion plants include:
| Companion Plant | Description/Benefits |
| Echinacea (Coneflower) | Provides long-lasting summer color and attracts pollinators. |
| Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) | Adds a cheerful touch with its bright yellow flowers. |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Offers late-season interest with its colorful foliage and flowers. |
| Veronica 'Moody Blues' Speedwell | Provides a contrasting color and texture with its blue flower spikes. |
| Hemerocallis 'Going Bananas' Daylily | Adds a vibrant touch with its yellow flowers and complements the blue foliage of 'Blue Paradise'. |
| Chrysanthemum 'Spicy Cheryl Orange' Fall Garden Mum | Extends the season of interest with its late-blooming orange flowers. |
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise' is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that is a great addition to any garden. Its low-maintenance nature, striking silvery-blue foliage, and vibrant fall color make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels. It is a valuable addition to a variety of garden styles, including naturalistic, prairie, and contemporary gardens. As a native plant, it supports local ecosystems by providing habitat and food for wildlife. Its hardiness, drought tolerance, and adaptability to different soil types make it a reliable and easy-to-grow choice for gardeners in many regions.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
