Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) Perennial Plant of the Year®

Support pollinators and add beauty, motion and texture to the landscape with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

This native grass was selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association as the 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year^®. Little bluestem is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Plant it with perennials, in native, pollinator, and cottage gardens or en masse where you can enjoy its beauty and visiting butterflies, pollinators and songbirds. Watch as the blue-green leaves turn yellow orange in fall and the purplish bronze seed heads appear. The color, motion and texture add beauty to the winter garden. All this and it is resistant to deer, black walnut, heat and drought.

Grow the species or one of the cultivars like Jazz, The Blues, Standing Ovation or Blue Heaven suited to your region.

A bit more information: The Perennial Plant of the Year^® program began in 1990. Members of the Perennial Plant Association nominate and vote on perennials to honor with this title. Plants selected must be suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease-free.