Carousel little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Carousel'
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Sizeup to 2.5 feet tall2 to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purple-brown maturing to silvery white
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Carousel' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Carousel') is a grass for borders, meadows, rain gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It forms a clumping mound that grows about 30 inches tall, and its purple-brown blooms mature to silvery white. Butterflies, bees, and birds visit it. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Indian Summer rudbeckia, Spotted joe-pye weed, and New Jersey tea.