Overview of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston, also known as little bluestem, is a native herbaceous perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. The plant is characterized by its attractive blue-green foliage and purple seed heads, which make it a desirable ornamental grass in many gardens. Schizachyrium sanguineum var. sanguineum is the most commonly found variety of the plant.
Origin of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston is native to North America, where it can be found growing in various habitats such as prairies, savannas, and rocky outcrops. The plant is widely distributed across the United States, ranging from the East Coast to the West Coast, and can also be found in parts of Canada and Mexico.
Common names for Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
Aside from "little bluestem," Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston is also commonly referred to as "turkey foot" or "bluestem grass." The plant has also been given several other vernacular names, including "red grass," "sage grass," and "bunch grass."
Uses of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
While Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston is primarily grown as an ornamental grass, it also has some practical uses. The plant is often used for erosion control due to its deep root system, which helps to stabilize soil. In addition, the seeds of Schizachyrium sanguineum var. sanguineum are a food source for various birds and small mammals.
General appearance of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum generally grows to be about 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The plant has a bunching growth habit, with stems that grow from a central point. The leaves of Schizachyrium sanguineum var. sanguineum are narrow and blue-green in color, becoming reddish-purple in the fall. The plant produces showy purple seed heads in late summer, which can be up to 6 inches long.
Light Requirements
Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not show optimal growth if planted in a shaded area.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperature conditions, including hot and dry areas. It is tolerant of heat and drought, but may not fare well in extremely cold conditions. In general, Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum grows best in areas with temperatures between 60 to 90°F (15 to 32°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are medium to low in fertility, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it may not thrive in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Cultivation of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is a prairie grass native to North America that prefers full sun and a well-draining soil. When planting, dig a hole twice the size of the plant's root ball and add compost or organic matter to the soil. Space the plants about two feet apart to allow for their spread. Little Bluestem is drought tolerant and thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Watering Needs of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
The Little Bluestem grass prefers dry to medium moisture levels in well-draining soil. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases, so it is crucial to allow the soil to dry between waterings. During the establishment period (first year), the grass requires regular watering to promote strong root growth. After that, it is only necessary to water if there is an extended dry period, or the leaves appear wilted.
Fertilization of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
Because Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum thrives in poor soil, it is best to avoid over-fertilizing to prevent lush green growth that can cause the grass to flop over. If necessary, apply a nitrogen-only fertilizer in the spring of the second year before growth begins. Incorporating compost or organic matter into the soil at planting provides the necessary nutrients for a healthy plant.
Pruning of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
Little Bluestem is a low-maintenance grass that does not require pruning. However, if necessary, prune the grass in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Cut the grass to about three inches above the ground to remove the previous year's dead growth and encourage new growth.
Propagation of Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum
Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alston var. sanguineum, also known as little bluestem, is a perennial grass native to North America. It is a popular ornamental grass used in landscaping and gardens because of its attractive blue-gray foliage, upright stems, and fine texture. Here are some methods of propagating Schizachyrium sanguineum:
Seeds
Schizachyrium sanguineum can be propagated by seeds, which are produced in abundance. Collect seeds from the plant when they have matured and turned brown. Sow the seeds in the soil during the fall or early winter, or stratify them by planting them in flats and storing them in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks. After stratification, plant the seeds in pots and place them in a well-lit area. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks and can be transplanted when they have grown bigger.
Division
Another method of propagating Schizachyrium sanguineum is by division. This method is best done in the spring before the new growth starts. Lift the plant and separate the clumps by cutting through the rhizomes with a sharp knife. Be sure to have at least three stems in each clump. Replant the new clumps, spaced six to eight inches apart, in a well-prepared bed with good drainage. Water them well until they are established, and then they can be treated like mature plants.
Cuttings
Schizachyrium sanguineum can also be propagated by stem cuttings, but it is not a common method. Cuttings should be taken in the spring from young plants that have not yet flowered. Take a six-inch stem cutting, remove the lower leaves, and dip it in rooting hormone. Then, plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with sandy soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture and place it in indirect light. The cutting should root in about two to four weeks, and then it can be transplanted to the garden.
Disease Management
Common diseases that might affect Schizachyrium sanguineum include leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts and reduce humidity around the plant. Rust can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts and practicing crop rotation. Powdery mildew can be managed by providing good air circulation around the plant and removing and destroying infected plant parts.
Pest Management
Common pests that might affect Schizachyrium sanguineum include aphids, grasshoppers, and spider mites. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and encourage the presence of beneficial insects like ladybugs. Grasshoppers can be managed by using physical barriers like row covers or introducing biological control agents like Nasonia wasps. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with water and introducing predatory mites or ladybugs.
