Additional Information about Schizachyrium scoparium Free Spirit® Blue Flame™ 'Nonemal'
Blue Flame™ is a colorful selection of native little bluestem that offers more than its name might suggest. Its foliage starts the season with dusty blue tones infused with subtle rose coloring, creating a soft, cool-toned appearance from spring through midsummer. As the season progresses, the plant sends up taller flowering stems that bring an entirely different look to the display.
One of its most interesting features is the contrast between its blue foliage and the scarlet-red flowering stems that emerge above it. By late summer, these stems are topped with silvery seedheads, giving the plant a combination of red, blue, and silver that becomes increasingly pronounced as autumn approaches. After frost, the foliage transitions to a soft tan, allowing the plant to retain its structure and provide interest well into winter.
Blue Flame™ has a clump-forming, upright growth habit, with basal foliage reaching approximately 1.5 feet tall. Its medium-textured blades create a relatively fine appearance, while the upright stems add vertical interest without requiring much planting space.
Like other little bluestem selections, Blue Flame™ is a warm-season grass that performs best in full sun. It is drought-tolerant once established and deer-resistant, making it a practical option for landscapes where dependable performance and lower maintenance are important. Its fibrous root system also makes it useful for erosion control, particularly in sunny areas where other plants may struggle.
The combination of blue foliage, scarlet stems, and silvery seedheads makes this selection particularly interesting in late-season plantings. Try it along pathways, in mass plantings, or alongside perennials with contrasting foliage and flower colors. It also works well in naturalistic landscapes where its seasonal changes can be appreciated rather than hidden among other plants.
