Product Description
Schizachyrium scoparium Blue Heaven ('MinnblueA' PP17310)
Common Name: Grass-Ornamental, Little Bluestem
An improvement over the species, this cultivar was discovered and selected in a field of Schizachyrium seedlings by Mary Meyer at the University of Minnesota. BLUE HEAVEN® has a taller, more upright habit that does not tend to flop like the species. In the summer, the foliage color is a brighter steel blue color with purple highlights, looking almost iridescent up close. From late summer through early fall, glossy purple panicles appear with fluffy tan seeds attached.
The fall color is also improved over the species, including a mix of purple, blue, red, pink, burgundy, and orange pigments. This color persists into mid-fall, after which snow typically arrives in the Midwest. 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: 42.0-54.0 Inches
Spread: 30.0-40.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Blue 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, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Erosion Control, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven', also known as Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven', is a cultivar of the North American native prairie grass, Little Bluestem. It was selected at the University of Minnesota for its striking blue-green foliage, upright growth habit, and vibrant fall color. In 2022, it was awarded the prestigious title of PPA Plant of the Year. This warm-season grass thrives in a variety of conditions and offers numerous benefits for gardeners and the environment.
Characteristics Blue Heaven boasts a tall, upright, and columnar form, reaching heights of 42-54 inches (105-135 cm) and spreading 30-40 inches wide (75-100 cm). Unlike other Little Bluestem varieties that tend to flop, Blue Heaven maintains its upright habit throughout the growing season and even remains upright under snow cover, making it a great choice for northern gardens. Its foliage is a standout feature, with a unique blue-green hue in spring and summer that deepens to blue-gray with purple highlights. As the seasons transition into autumn, the foliage undergoes a dramatic transformation, shifting from cool blue-green tones to a vibrant mix of purple, red, pink, burgundy, and orange hues. This fall color persists into mid-fall, providing long-lasting interest. In late summer, it produces small, airy, reddish-brown flowers that mature into fluffy tan seed heads, adding texture and winter interest.
Scientific Classification A study published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science explored the genetic diversity of Schizachyrium scoparium. The research revealed a complex genetic structure within the species, with Blue Heaven belonging to a group of samples collected primarily from locations with latitudes between 34 and 43° N. This highlights the adaptability of Blue Heaven to a wide range of climates within its hardiness zones.
Growing Conditions Blue Heaven thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor soils and clay, but does not persist in highly fertile soils or consistently moist conditions. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations.
Care This low-maintenance grass requires minimal care. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then reduce frequency. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. It generally does not require fertilization and in fact, thrives in poor soils. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It is important to note that Blue Heaven may self-seed in favorable conditions, spreading to surrounding areas. Gardeners can manage this by removing seed heads before they mature or by dividing the plants to control their spread.
Benefits Blue Heaven offers several benefits for both the garden and the environment:
- Ecological: Blue Heaven is an ecologically valuable plant, providing food and habitat for a variety of wildlife. It acts as a larval host to nine skipper species, including the common wood nymph (Cercyonis pegala), Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae), and Leonard's skipper (Hesperia leonardus). It also offers overwintering shelter for various insects and wildlife, and its seeds are a food source for songbirds in the winter. Additionally, it is an important pollinator plant, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Aesthetic: Blue Heaven offers striking foliage color that changes throughout the seasons, adding visual interest to the landscape. Its cool blue-green summer hues transition to fiery reds, purples, and oranges in the fall, creating a dynamic and visually appealing element in the garden.
- Low-maintenance: Blue Heaven requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for sustainable landscaping. It is drought-tolerant, thrives in poor soils, and does not require fertilization.
- Erosion control: Its deep root system helps stabilize slopes and prevent erosion, making it a valuable asset in areas prone to soil loss.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: Blue Heaven is generally avoided by deer and rabbits due to its texture and taste, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a concern.
Uses in the Landscape Blue Heaven is a versatile ornamental grass that can be used in various landscape applications:
- Mass plantings: Creates a dramatic effect with its blue-green foliage and vibrant fall color.
- Borders: Adds height and texture to garden beds and borders.
- Naturalistic landscapes: Blends seamlessly into prairie and meadow settings.
- Screens and backdrops: Its tall stature makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy or defining spaces in the garden.
- Erosion control: Stabilizes slopes and prevents soil erosion.
Design Tips To enhance the beauty of Blue Heaven in your garden, consider these design tips:
- Companion plants: Combine Blue Heaven with other native prairie plants, such as asters, coneflowers, and goldenrods, to create a naturalistic and ecologically diverse landscape.
- Color echoes: Repeat the blue hues of Blue Heaven's foliage with other blue-flowering perennials, such as catmint or salvia, for a harmonious and calming effect.
- Textural contrast: Pair Blue Heaven with plants that have contrasting textures, such as the fine foliage of ferns or the bold leaves of hostas, to create visual interest and depth.
- Seasonal interest: Plant Blue Heaven alongside late-blooming perennials, such as sedums or Japanese anemones, to extend the season of color and interest in your garden.
Cultivars While Blue Heaven is a popular cultivar of Schizachyrium scoparium, other notable cultivars offer unique characteristics:
| Cultivar Name | Height | Foliage Color | Fall Color |
| Standing Ovation | 3 to 4 feet | Blue with purple tints | Red-orange and burgundy |
| The Blues | 3 feet | Blue with red accents on the stem | Blue, purple, and orange |
| Carousel | 2 1/2 feet | Blue-green | Copper, pink, and mahogany |
| Prairie Blues | 3 feet | Blue-gray | Red-orange |
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful, low-maintenance, and ecologically beneficial ornamental grass. Its striking blue-green foliage, upright habit, and vibrant fall color make it a standout in any landscape. With its adaptability to various growing conditions and its ability to attract wildlife, Blue Heaven is a valuable addition to gardens of all styles. Whether you are looking to add a touch of blue to your summer garden, enjoy a fiery fall display, or support local wildlife, Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven' is a versatile and rewarding choice for any gardener.
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!
