Smoke Signal Little Bluestem
Smoke Signal Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal')
Smoke Signal Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal') is a vibrant warm-season native ornamental grass admired for its striking blue-green foliage that matures to fiery shades of orange, red, and purple in fall. This perennial adds dynamic color, texture, and seasonal interest to prairie gardens, mixed borders, and naturalistic landscapes.
Distinctive Features
'Smoke Signal' forms dense clumps of slender, upright leaves showcasing bright blue-green hues in the growing season. As autumn approaches, the foliage transforms into dramatic shades of orange, red, and purple, while airy flower panicles provide softness and movement.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerates poor and dry soils
- Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�9
Ideal Uses
- Prairie Gardens: Perfect for native and naturalistic landscapes
- Mixed Borders: Adds vibrant seasonal color and texture
- Accent Planting: Creates striking focal points with colorful foliage
- Wildlife Gardens: Supports pollinators and birds
- Low-Maintenance Gardens: Performs well with minimal care
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water sparingly; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning: Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring
- Fertilizing: Typically not necessary
- Mulching: Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Protection: Prefers open, sunny sites with good air circulation
Why Choose Smoke Signal Little Bluestem?
- Dynamic Fall Colors: Transitions from blue-green to fiery orange, red, and purple
- Vibrant Seasonal Interest: Provides bold color changes throughout the year
- Drought Tolerance: Ideal for sustainable, low-water gardens
- Wildlife Friendly: Provides habitat and food for pollinators and birds
- Low Maintenance: Easy to grow with minimal care
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' is a colorful, low-maintenance native grass that enriches landscapes with striking seasonal hues and graceful form.
OUR SIZING
Not sure what 2 inch B&B or 30 Gallon Clump really means? This guide breaks down all our plant size terms so you know exactly what to expect, whether you're ordering online or picking up at our nursery. From caliper measurements to container volumes, we've decoded our system to help you shop with confidence.
Plant Detectives Shipping Guide
Nationwide plant shipping made easy. Learn how we ship trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. No order too big or too small. Fast, careful, and contractor-friendly.