This ornamental grass is so tough it can survive fire.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
All hail the king of native grassesthe big bluestem!
Big bluestem is not only revered for its functional properties but it is also grown for its decorative features.
When it flowers, it boasts small purple or yellow spikelets.
Plant your big bluestem in late winter or early spring.
This ornamental grass cannot tolerate full shade conditions.
Soil
Big bluestem is found growing in the dry soils of the North American prairies.
This grass cannot tolerate highlyalkaline soilsor highly compacted soils that are not well-draining.
As with most seedlings and young plants, big bluestem will require more frequent watering until it has matured.
It thrives in the summer months and grows best in temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
Big bluestem does not require regular fertilization and is well-adapted to grow in poor soil conditions.
When grown as an ornamental grass, fertilizing is an optional step but certainly not required.
Use clean, sharp gardening shears.
Propagating Big Bluestem
Big bluestem can be propagated through division.
As a general rule, wait until the grass is mature and established before attempting to divide.
Alternatively, big bluestem seeds can be bought from most garden centers and specialty nurseries.
The larger the container, the better.
Overwintering
Big bluestem is well adapted to climates with cold winters and needs no winter protection.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Big bluestem has no serious pest or disease problems.
Big bluestem is a vigorous grower that spreads through seeds as well as toughrhizomes.
Big bluestem is used extensively in landscaping and in agriculture.
From July to October, big bluestem sports large inflorescences that become three-part seed heads.
The seedheads oflittle bluestemare fluffy.
