Schizachyrium 'Smoke Signal'

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal': Ember-Tipped Prairie Grass

With upright blades brushed in smoky blue-green and tinged with deep burgundy by midsummer, Schizachyrium 'Smoke Signal' brings fiery elegance to the late-season garden. This refined selection of little bluestem is prized for its consistent vertical form, rich autumn colour, and adaptability to dry, sunny conditions. Flowering in late summer with fine, fluffy seed heads, it adds movement and structure while supporting native wildlife and adding habitat value to naturalistic plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Purplish-bronze seed heads
• Flowering Period: Late summer
• Foliage: Blue-green maturing to deep red and burgundy
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil; tolerant of drought and poor soils

Uses and Benefits: A standout in prairie-style gardens, dry borders, and naturalized plantings, 'Smoke Signal' holds its form beautifully without flopping and brings strong vertical structure into fall and winter. Its foliage colour intensifies with the season, making it a brilliant foil for both bold perennials and subtle natives. Low-maintenance and deer resistant, it provides nesting material and food for birds while enhancing design with form and movement.

Companion Plants: Combine with the steel-blue globes of Echinops ritro, the vibrant, nectar-rich blooms of Monarda 'Raspberry Wine', and the smouldering red foliage of Heuchera 'Fire Alarm' for a striking, sun-loving combination that peaks in colour, contrast, and pollinator appeal from midsummer through fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Tolerates drought, heat, and poor soils once established. Avoid overly rich or wet conditions, which may cause flopping. Leave foliage standing through winter for visual interest and wildlife benefit; cut back to the ground in early spring before new growth appears.

History: Bred by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, 'Smoke Signal' was selected for its strong upright habit and rich red fall colour. It represents a refined, garden-worthy version of the North American native Schizachyrium scoparium, bringing ecological value and ornamental strength to designed landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Smoky, sculptural, and seasonally spectacular, Schizachyrium 'Smoke Signal' anchors the autumn garden with colour, movement, and native resilience—a true signature grass for modern prairie plantings.