{"product_id":"little-bluestem","title":"Little Bluestem","description":"\u003cp\u003eLittle Bluestem is a true Minnesota native — a tough prairie grass that brings authentic regional character to Plymouth, Minnetonka, and Edina landscapes with blue summer foliage and brilliant copper-red fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout 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\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;\"\u003e2-4ft tall × 1.5-2ft 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;\"\u003eSilvery seed plumes Aug-Oct; red-bronze fall foliage\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 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\u003eNative Minnesota prairie grass with copper fall color\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative MN grass, drought-tough, supports wildlife. That's why 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 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 2-4ft tall × 1.5-2ft wide in mind — give 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 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. 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 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 Little Bluestem hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. 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. Native MN grass, drought-tough, supports wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Little Bluestem grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFast — reaches full size in one or two seasons. Expect mature size (2-4ft tall × 1.5-2ft wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat 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 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 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 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 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 Little Bluestem Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLittle Bluestem forms upright clumps about 18–24 in wide, so space plants roughly 20 in on center for a connected prairie-style mass, or set single accents 30 in apart. For a flowing drift:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRun length\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e5 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e15 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlants (20 in o.c.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:4px 10px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLittle Bluestem Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue-green blades push up from the crown, slowly filling into a fine-textured fountain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steely blue upright foliage holds its color through heat and drought with no supplemental water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e The whole clump turns brilliant copper-red and orange, lit up by silvery seed plumes that catch low autumn light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bronze foliage and seed heads stand tall against the snow, feeding birds and adding structure all season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Salt-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\/sombrero-granada-gold-coneflower\"\u003eSombrero Granada Gold Coneflower\u003c\/a\u003e — golden daisies weave through the blue blades and feed the same birds all winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/little-moonshine-yarrow\"\u003eLittle Moonshine Yarrow\u003c\/a\u003e — a low silver-and-yellow skirt at the base of the upright grass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/autumn-fire-sedum\"\u003eAutumn Fire Sedum\u003c\/a\u003e — rusty fall flower heads echo the grass’s copper tones and share its dry, lean-soil love.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/blue-fortune-hyssop\"\u003eBlue Fortune Hyssop\u003c\/a\u003e — lavender-blue spikes add vertical pollinator color in the same full-sun bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Little Bluestem Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis native bunchgrass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil — boulevard strips, dry slopes, and lean prairie-style beds are ideal, and it shrugs off drought, road salt, and deer once established. Not a fit if your spot stays wet or shaded, where the clumps flop open and lose their tight upright form.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#1 Gallon","offer_id":54169960513841,"sku":"G0699","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Little_bluestem_1_f337ed66-5991-44f8-8825-c6418847fbed.jpg?v=1778451924","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/little-bluestem","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}