Product Description
Schizachyrium s. 'Brush Strokes' PPAF CPBRAF - Proven Winners PRAIRIE WINDS Collection (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Little Bluestem, Ornamental Grass
Like bristles on a paint brush the stems of 'Brush Strokes' stand vertical, bend gracefully with the wind, then return to their upright position. Powder blue stems take after their namesake before turning wine-red in early fall. Use this native perennial grass for its fine texture in summer then leave it standing in fall for winter interest.
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: 32.0-36.0 Inches
Spread: 22.0-26.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Tan shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades, Purple shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer - Early Fall
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 'Brush Strokes', commonly known as Little Bluestem 'Brush Strokes', is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that adds a touch of dynamic color and texture to the landscape. It is a North American native, making it a great choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems. Here is a closer look at what makes it so special:
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Brush Strokes'
- Striking Foliage: The leaves are slender and a beautiful powder blue in spring and summer, creating a cool and calming effect in the garden. What makes 'Brush Strokes' unique is that as autumn approaches, the foliage transforms into a rich wine-red, providing a stunning display that lasts throughout the fall and winter. This color change adds a dramatic and long-lasting element of interest to the garden.
- Upright and Airy: This grass grows in an upright and clumping habit, adding vertical interest and movement to the landscape. The slender stems sway gracefully in the breeze, creating a sense of dynamism and lightness. It typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet.
- Feathery Seed Heads: In late summer and fall, 'Brush Strokes' produces delicate, feathery seed heads that add another layer of texture and visual appeal. These seed heads persist through the winter, providing food and shelter for birds and adding interest to the winter landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, 'Brush Strokes' is a very low-maintenance plant. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and does not require much fertilization. This makes it a great choice for busy gardeners or those looking for a low-fuss plant.
- Versatile: 'Brush Strokes' can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, mass plantings, and naturalized areas. It also works well in containers. Its adaptability and attractive appearance make it a valuable addition to many landscape designs.
Growing Tips:
- Light: Prefers full sun for the best foliage color and growth.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it is essential to avoid waterlogged soil.
- Watering: Water regularly until established, then reduce watering frequency. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant.
- Maintenance: Little maintenance is needed. You can cut the grass back in late winter or early spring to remove old growth and make way for new growth.
Additional Information:
- Hardy: Generally hardy in zones 3-9.
- Native: This is a North American native grass, making it a great choice for supporting local ecosystems.
- Attracts Birds: The seed heads provide food and shelter for birds, especially during the winter months.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Brush Strokes' is a beautiful and resilient ornamental grass that will add a touch of dynamic color and texture to your garden throughout the year. Its changing foliage, low maintenance needs, and ecological benefits make it a valuable and attractive addition to any landscape.
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!
