Product Description
Schizachyrium s. 'Twilight Zone' PP27432 (30)ct Flat
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.
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: 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
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid Fall
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Erosion Control, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Native to North America
A Captivating Ornamental Grass
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Twilight Zone', commonly known as Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone', is a captivating ornamental grass native to North America. This cultivar of the North American native Little Bluestem was introduced by Walters Gardens and has quickly become a favorite among gardeners and landscapers for its unique foliage and adaptability. The information presented in this article was gathered from various online sources, including nursery websites and gardening resources, to provide a comprehensive overview of this remarkable plant.
Unlike other Schizachyriums that typically color up in the fall, 'Twilight Zone' possesses a nearly iridescent silvery mauve-purple cast all over the whole plant beginning in midsummer. This striking characteristic sets it apart from other Little Bluestems and adds a unique dimension to the landscape. It retains these beautiful tones through the fall when brighter purple highlights appear on the flower stems. 'Twilight Zone' stands out with its luminous, silvery-blue foliage that develops hints of purple, especially prominent in mid to late summer. This unique coloration gives the foliage a luminous quality, enhancing its visual appeal. The foliage gradually transitions to include warmer hues in the fall, adding another dimension to the landscape.
The plant has a rigidly upright, columnar growth habit, reaching a mature height of 4.0 to 4.5 feet with a spread of 2.0 feet. This architectural form makes it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and structure to garden designs. In mid-fall, it produces airy, tan-colored seed heads that mature into small grains, providing visual interest and a food source for birds throughout the winter. The fall color of the foliage is shades of purple.
Growing Requirements
'Twilight Zone' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with dry-to-average soil moisture. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor soils and clay, but prefers fertile, well-drained sites. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and water-conserving landscapes. This grass has a medium growth rate.
This grass does not require fertilization and benefits from being cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This practice promotes a sturdier plant and maintains a tidy appearance. Potential pests include aphids, leaf spot, spider mites, and spittlebugs. To overwinter the plant, it can be kept in a cold frame with clear poly and kept dry.
Potential Uses and Benefits Little Bluestem 'Twilight Zone' offers a variety of uses and benefits in the landscape:
Natural Landscaping Its native status makes it a perfect fit for naturalistic gardens, meadows, and prairie restorations.
Erosion Control Its deep roots make it effective for stabilizing soil on banks and slopes.
Ornamental Gardens Its unique foliage and architectural form add interest to beds, borders, and rock gardens.
Wildlife Habitat It provides food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects. The seeds are a valuable food source for birds in winter, and the plant serves as a larval host for nine skipper species. Leaving the foliage standing through the winter provides year-round interest and a valuable food source for birds.
Drought Tolerance Its ability to withstand dry conditions makes it a valuable asset in water-wise gardens.
Low Maintenance It requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
Other Benefits This versatile ornamental grass is salt tolerant and tolerates heat and humidity. It can be used in green roofs.
Companion Plants
'Twilight Zone' Little Bluestem can be effectively combined with a variety of companion plants to create stunning visual displays in the garden. Here are a few suggestions:
- Anemone FALL IN LOVE® 'Sweetly' A fall-blooming anemone with large, semi-double, rosy-pink flowers.
- Artemisia 'Silver Mound' A low-growing, silvery-leaved plant that provides a contrasting texture.
- Aster 'Grape Crush' A compact aster with vibrant purple flowers that bloom in late summer.
- Leucanthemum 'Marshmallow' A Shasta daisy with large, fluffy white flowers.
- Liatris 'Kobold Original' A compact liatris with dense spikes of purple flowers.
- Sedum 'Night Embers' A sedum with dark purple foliage and rosy-pink flowers.
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Twilight Zone' is a remarkable ornamental grass that offers a unique combination of beauty, adaptability, and ecological benefits. Its distinctive silvery-blue foliage with hints of purple, architectural form, and low-maintenance nature make it a valuable addition to any landscape. Whether you are looking to create a naturalistic garden, add interest to a border, provide habitat for wildlife, or simply enjoy its captivating presence, 'Twilight Zone' is an excellent choice. Consider adding this stunning ornamental grass to your garden and witness its beauty firsthand.
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!
