Blue Paradise Bluestem Grass is a cultivar of the native grass species Andropogon scoparius, also known as Little Bluestem. This ornamental grass is prized for its striking blue-green foliage that changes to rich tones of red, orange, and purple in the fall. It adds texture, color, and movement to the landscape, making it a popular choice for garden beds, prairie-style landscapes, and wildlife gardens.

Key Features of Blue Paradise Bluestem Grass:

• Foliage: The slender, upright leaves of Blue Paradise start as a soft blue-green color in spring and summer, transitioning to vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple in the fall. The foliage also develops a slight sheen, adding to its visual appeal.
• Flowers: In late summer to early fall, Blue Paradise produces delicate, fluffy, silver-white seed heads that rise above the foliage. These seed heads provide interest and movement in the garden, catching the light and swaying in the wind.
• Size: Typically grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with an upright and slightly arching form.
• Growth Habit: It grows in clumps, creating a tidy and structured appearance in the landscape.

Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant: Blue Paradise is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for xeriscaping or areas that receive minimal supplemental watering.
• Low Maintenance: It requires little maintenance once established, thriving in a variety of soil conditions and needing only occasional trimming to remove old growth.
• Seasonal Color: The grass provides year-round interest, from its blue-green summer foliage to its fiery autumn colors and the persistent seed heads that last through winter.
• Wildlife Friendly: The seed heads attract birds, while the dense foliage offers shelter for small animals and insects.

Care and Maintenance:

• Light Requirements: Blue Paradise Bluestem prefers full sun, which helps bring out the best colors in the foliage and encourages healthy growth. It can tolerate light shade but may not color as vibrantly in less sun.
• Soil: It thrives in well-drained soils, including sandy or rocky soils, and does not require rich, fertile soil. It can tolerate poor, dry soils, making it suitable for tough growing conditions.
• Watering: While it is drought-tolerant, water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it only needs minimal supplemental watering.
• Pruning: Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This encourages a fresh, vibrant start to the growing season.
• Fertilization: Bluestem grasses generally do not require fertilization. Too much fertilizer can make the grass floppy and reduce its drought tolerance.

Uses:

• Ornamental Grass: Blue Paradise Bluestem is often used as an ornamental grass in garden beds, borders, or along pathways where its changing colors and seed heads can be appreciated.
• Prairie and Meadow Gardens: It is a staple in prairie-style gardens, naturalistic plantings, and wildflower meadows, where it adds height, texture, and structure.
• Erosion Control: With its deep root system, Blue Paradise is effective at stabilizing soil, making it useful for erosion control on slopes or banks.
• Wildlife Gardens: The seeds and cover provided by this grass make it ideal for attracting birds and other wildlife to the garden.

Hardiness:

• USDA Zones: Blue Paradise Bluestem is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it a versatile choice for many climates across North America.

Environmental Benefits:

• Erosion Control: Its deep roots help to hold soil in place, reducing erosion in garden beds, slopes, or along stream banks.
• Low Water Usage: Once established, it requires little to no supplemental watering, making it a great choice for drought-tolerant landscapes.
• Native Plant: As a native grass, Blue Paradise supports local ecosystems, providing habitat and food for native insects and animals.

Landscape Appeal:

• Color and Texture: The shifting colors of Blue Paradise Bluestem, from its cool blue-green summer tones to its warm autumn hues, make it a standout in the landscape. Its fine texture and upright growth habit add structure and interest to both formal and informal garden designs.
• Year-Round Interest: The grass remains attractive throughout the year, even in winter, when its seed heads provide visual interest and feed for birds.

Blue Paradise Bluestem Grass is a versatile, low-maintenance ornamental grass that adds movement, color, and texture to the garden. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and tolerate drought makes it an ideal choice for sustainable landscaping and prairie-style gardens, while its bold fall color provides a stunning seasonal display.