{"product_id":"blaze-little-bluestem","title":"Blaze Little Bluestem","description":"\u003cp\u003eBlaze Little Bluestem ignites fall borders across Wayzata, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie with the most vivid orange-red autumn fire of any little bluestem cultivar — and it's hardy to zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Blaze Little Bluestem\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:600px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;width:40%;\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSchizachyrium scoparium 'Blaze'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eMature Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3-4ft tall × 18-24in wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eBloom \/ Foliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eSilver seed plumes late summer; brilliant orange-red fall color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFull sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eLow. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is plenty.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eHardiness Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -40°F for most native grass cultivars.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eRarely browsed — ornamental grasses are one of the most deer-proof plant categories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eDeciduous — grass blades emerge in spring, mature through summer, hold form (often with golden fall color) into winter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFast — reaches full size in one or two seasons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love Blaze Little Bluestem\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrnamental grasses hold their golden form through Minnesota's five-month winter — one of the few things that look great against snow. Pair with red-twig dogwood for maximum winter impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollinator + bird habitat\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrass seed heads feed birds through fall and winter. Native bunchgrass clumps are critical nesting habitat for ground-dwelling pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLow-water plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce established, ornamental grasses thrive on natural rainfall — no supplemental watering needed. Perfect for boulevard strips, dry slopes, and parking-area plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBrighter-burning cultivar of native Minnesota little bluestem\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest fall color of any little bluestem; native-adjacent. That's why Blaze Little Bluestem has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a grass we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Blaze Little Bluestem in the Twin Cities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest planting window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade. Choose a location with the mature size of 3-4ft tall × 18-24in wide in mind — give Blaze Little Bluestem room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLoosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSet Blaze Little Bluestem so the top of the root ball is 1-2\" above grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWater deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMulch 2-3\" deep, keeping mulch 2\" away from the stem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst year (establishment):\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Blaze Little Bluestem needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6\" deep — water when the top 2-3\" feels dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished (year 2+):\u003c\/strong\u003e Low. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is plenty. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Blaze Little Bluestem through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3\" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut back to 4–6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Do NOT cut back in fall — the foliage provides winter interest and wildlife habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Blaze Little Bluestem hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Blaze Little Bluestem is rated for zones 3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. Best fall color of any little bluestem; native-adjacent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Blaze Little Bluestem grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFast — reaches full size in one or two seasons. Expect mature size (3-4ft tall × 18-24in wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat Blaze Little Bluestem?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRarely browsed — ornamental grasses are one of the most deer-proof plant categories. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I plant Blaze Little Bluestem in part shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFull sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size gallon should I buy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWe typically offer Blaze Little Bluestem in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere We Deliver\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Blaze Little Bluestem across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Blaze Little Bluestem grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Blaze Little Bluestem Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a mass or drift, space plants about 18 inches apart. At that spacing a single row covers a run roughly as follows; for a solid block, repeat rows 18 inches apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:420px;margin:12px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;background:#f4f7ec;text-align:left;\"\u003eRun Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;background:#f4f7ec;text-align:left;\"\u003ePlants Needed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e7 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e13 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e30 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e20 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e40 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e27 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor an accent, plant in groups of 3–5 spaced 18–24 inches apart so the clumps read as one sweep of fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlaze Little Bluestem Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slim blue-green blades push up and the upright clump quickly takes shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine blue-green foliage with a silvery cast stands neat and vertical; airy seed plumes begin to form by late summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e The signature show — foliage ignites to vivid orange-red while fluffy silver seed heads catch low autumn light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coppery-bronze blades and seed heads hold their form against the snow and feed finches and juncos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/little-bluestem\"\u003eLittle Bluestem\u003c\/a\u003e — the classic native species for a prairie-style sweep alongside the brighter Blaze.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/karl-foerster-feather-reed-grass\"\u003eKarl Foerster Feather Reed Grass\u003c\/a\u003e — adds an early, vertical plume to contrast Blaze's fine fall texture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/autumn-fire-sedum\"\u003eAutumn Fire Sedum\u003c\/a\u003e — rusty flower heads echo the grass's autumn tones and feed late pollinators.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/sombrero-granada-gold-coneflower\"\u003eSombrero Granada Gold Coneflower\u003c\/a\u003e — gold daisies pop against blue-green summer blades and red fall color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Blaze Little Bluestem Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlaze thrives in full sun and well-drained ground, shrugging off lean or clay soil and summer drought once established, and deer leave it alone. Not a fit if your spot is wet or shaded — in rich, soggy soil or shade it flops open and loses its prized fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#1 Gallon","offer_id":54169960579377,"sku":"G0697","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Blaze_little_bluestem_1_06242b7e-dfb8-4905-858a-bb2c6d3a609b.jpg?v=1778451926","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/blaze-little-bluestem","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}