This ornamental grass is a result of an extensive Schizachyrium breeding program from Walters Gardens and is the perfect option for those looking to add to their native or prairie garden.
The habit is very upright and columnar, and maintains its upright habit through fall. At 3½' tall, this grass will be the perfect backdrop to your garden. True to its name, ‘Blue Paradise’ has striking silvery blue stems in summer. In the fall, this grass takes center stage as the leaves develop a deep wine purple color. Tiny tan seed heads appear on the top half of the stems in early fall.
Schizachyrium is a great choice if you are looking to restore an eroded site, or for a plant that will grow in hot, dry areas where other plants have a hard time surviving.
30ct Plug Tray |
72ct Plug Tray |
Height:
3.0-3.5 Feet
Spread:
2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Foliage Color:
Blue shades Purple shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer Early Fall
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Cut Foliage Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Erosion Control Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
This grass is terrific in a border or meadow setting. It needs full sun and is tolerant of heat and humidity. Schizachyrium can grow in either acidic or alkaline soils, and can tolerate a range of moisture conditions including average to extremely dry. It does not need to be fertilized. It's a good idea to cut this grass back to ground level in late fall in order to have a sturdier plant the coming year.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Summer to late summer for next season
Finish:
8-10 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Summer to late summer for next season
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Growing Temperature:
68-75° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.5
EC (What is EC?):
1.50-2.0
Fertility:
Avoid overfeeding Schizachyrium as it causes floppy growth. They are native grasses that do not require a large amount of fertility. Feed lightly at 50-75 ppm as needed.
For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.
Vernalization:
Provide 10-12 weeks of cold temperatures below 45° F.
Pests & Diseases:
Primary pests are aphids and spider mites.
Avoid wet conditions as this can lead to root and crown rot.
Potting & Timing:
Plant during warm summer temperatures for best bulking results. Avoid spring planting as these warm season grasses grow best during warm temperatures and long days.
Moisture:
Slightly moist, allowing to dry slightly between waterings once established.
Planting Level:
Plant in a well-drained soil with the top of plug at the soil line.
Lighting:
Provide high light levels. Direct sun will promote the best foliage color and habit.
Grower Tips:
Warm season grasses such as Schizachyrium are best grown in summer of the year prior to sales for best results.
Height:
3.0-3.5 Feet
Spread:
2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Foliage Color:
Blue shades Purple shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer Early Fall
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Cut Foliage Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Erosion Control Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
This grass is terrific in a border or meadow setting. It needs full sun and is tolerant of heat and humidity. Schizachyrium can grow in either acidic or alkaline soils, and can tolerate a range of moisture conditions including average to extremely dry. It does not need to be fertilized. It's a good idea to cut this grass back to ground level in late fall in order to have a sturdier plant the coming year.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Summer to late summer for next season
Finish:
8-10 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Summer to late summer for next season
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Growing Temperature:
68-75° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.5
EC (What is EC?):
1.50-2.0
Fertility:
Avoid overfeeding Schizachyrium as it causes floppy growth. They are native grasses that do not require a large amount of fertility. Feed lightly at 50-75 ppm as needed.
For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.
Vernalization:
Provide 10-12 weeks of cold temperatures below 45° F.
Pests & Diseases:
Primary pests are aphids and spider mites.
Avoid wet conditions as this can lead to root and crown rot.
Potting & Timing:
Plant during warm summer temperatures for best bulking results. Avoid spring planting as these warm season grasses grow best during warm temperatures and long days.
Moisture:
Slightly moist, allowing to dry slightly between waterings once established.
Planting Level:
Plant in a well-drained soil with the top of plug at the soil line.
Lighting:
Provide high light levels. Direct sun will promote the best foliage color and habit.
Grower Tips:
Warm season grasses such as Schizachyrium are best grown in summer of the year prior to sales for best results.
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