Photo of Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' PP27433 flower, foliage by Avant Gardens

Photo by Avant Gardens

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' PP27433

Also Known As

  • Smoke Signal Little Bluestem Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

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Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' PP27433 plant details

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' PP27433 is a semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue, burgundy and purple foliage. In fall tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' PP27433

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue, burgundy and purple
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: tan blooms in fall
Uses: border plant, container plant, easy-to-grow, fall color, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' PP27433

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Upright grass, non flopping foliage in a tight clump 3-4’ tall and 1-2’ wide. Narrow blue-green blades intensify to brilliant plum red in fall and purple in early winter and are topped by fluffy, airy white seed heads. Full sun, best in well-drained soil but takes heavy soil if drier; drought tolerant, deer/critter resistant; takes heat & humidity in stride. Cut back in early spring before new growth starts.
A selected form of Little Bluestem, a native grass, which begins the season with nice looking powder blue upright foliage in spring, turning reddish tones as late summer enfolds, then a smoky violet in early-mid autumn. Winter color is an attractive tawny gold. Plants reach 4' tall and form clumps 2' across. Schizachyrium are such easy and under utilized grasses…we encourage you to give them a try if you haven't already.

Gardening facts about Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' PP27433 plant

How to Grow Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal' PP27433

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
    • burgundy
    • purple
  • Flower Color

    • tan
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Schizachyrium for your garden

aka Carousel Little Bluestem

Plant Type

Grass / Grass Like

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 30"

Width: 30"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Schizachyrium scoparium 'Carousel' PP20948 foliage by Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program
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Scientific Name: Schizachyrium scoparium 'MinnblueA'

aka Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven', Blue Heaven Little Bluestem

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Schizachyrium scoparium Blue Heaven PP17310 form by Hans Mesker
View Plant

aka The Blues Little Blue Stem

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 18"-36"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' foliage by Far Reaches Farm
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aka Blaze Little Bluestem, Little Bluestem Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 24"-36"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
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aka Little Bluestem

Plant Type

Grass / Grass Like

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'

  • sun
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Schizachyrium scoparium foliage by Chhe
View Plant

More Options

+7 more Schizachyrium
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