Grass
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Varieties We Carry
StandardSchizachyrium scoparium
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$7.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size2-4 feet × 1-2 feet
About Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is an iconic Florida-native prairie grass forming upright clumps of blue-green summer foliage that turns copper, rust, and burgundy in fall, with fluffy white seed heads persisting into winter. Hardy and drought-tolerant in NE Florida zone 9b, it is outstanding for naturalistic plantings, rain gardens, and wildlife habitat. Starting at $7.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun; Little Bluestem requires at least 6 hours of direct sun and declines in shade. In NE Florida it tolerates the full intensity of summer sun, making it excellent for open, unirrigated landscapes.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly the first season to establish roots, then reduce to little or no supplemental irrigation. Avoid overwatering or planting in poorly drained sites, which causes root rot and collapse in NE Florida's summer rains.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in NE Florida's infertile sandy or loamy soils; excellent drainage is critical. Do not fertilize heavily — rich soils produce floppy, open clumps. A single light application of slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient if soils are very poor.
Similar needs
Elliott's Lovegrass
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Indian Grass
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Muhly Grass
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Purple Lovegrass
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Switchgrass
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Purple Top Grass
Shares 4 of the same needs: low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Little Bluestem a good plant for St. Augustine?
Little Bluestem is a grass for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-4 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.