Schizachyrium 'The Blues'

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues': Cool Tones, Fiery Finish

With its striking blue-grey foliage and upright, prairie-hardy form, Schizachyrium 'The Blues' adds a cool, sculptural quality to sun-filled plantings. Through summer, its steel-blue blades stand tall with occasional burgundy flushes at the base, creating a strong vertical presence. As autumn arrives, the plant ignites with rich shades of crimson, copper, and purple, while delicate, silvery seed heads catch the light and shimmer above the foliage. Blending toughness with undeniable beauty, this cultivar brings texture and seasonal drama to naturalistic and formal gardens alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Silvery-tan with purplish highlights
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Blue-grey with hints of burgundy, turning deep red and copper in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, lean to average soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'The Blues' is an excellent choice for adding vertical form and cool-toned contrast to prairie-style borders, xeriscapes, and wildlife gardens. Its changing foliage colour and upright habit offer season-long interest, while its deep roots support soil health and erosion control. Ecologically beneficial, it provides shelter for pollinators and songbirds and thrives in hot, dry conditions where other plants may struggle.

Companion Plants: Pair Schizachyrium 'The Blues' with Gaillardia 'Goblin' for compact, red-and-gold daisies that pop against the grass’s cool tones. Add Aster 'Wood's Purple' for late-season colour and pollinator appeal. Finish the composition with Pycnanthemum muticum, whose silvery bracts and minty scent offer textural contrast and support for native insects.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overly rich or moist sites to preserve upright growth. Water regularly during establishment; mature plants are drought tolerant. Leave seed heads standing through winter, then cut back in early spring. Divide every few years to rejuvenate clumps if needed.

History: Selected for its enhanced blue foliage and fall colour, 'The Blues' is a cultivated form of the North American native Schizachyrium scoparium. It combines the rugged adaptability of prairie grasses with ornamental traits suited to modern gardens.

Final Thoughts: With its cool summer tones and fiery autumn finale, Schizachyrium 'The Blues' offers structure, movement, and seasonal beauty—anchoring prairie-inspired designs with native integrity and visual flair.