Perennial Plant of the Year for 2022

Each year the Perennial Plant Association announces the plant of the year. And this year's selection is Schizachyrium scoparium and cultivars. 

Little bluestem is a tough and dependable clumping grass that blends well with perennials such as asters, sedums, coneflowers, and other grasses. Schizachyrium scoparium is native to a broad swath of North America, it was one of the dominant grasses of the vast tallgrass prairies. Cultivars have been selected for shorter plants, enhanced leaf colors and stronger stems.

The wider selection of not only little bluestem, but any associated cultivars, allows regional perennial experts to select and promote the cultivars that do best in their location.

For the landscape companies planning to use this in new plantings, it is recommended to use 1- to 2-gallon pots. A bit slower growing. Once established, schizachyrium scoarium likes to grow on the dry side with low to moderate fertilizer rates. Overwatering and too much nitrogen can cause floppy growth and increase the probability of rootzone and foliar pathogens. Has few pest issues; scout for aphids and spider mites. Some cultivars are vegetative propagated and patent-protected, while the straight species and a few cultivars can be grown from seed. 

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