Schizachyrium s. ‘Twilight Zone’ PP27432 (30)ct Flat

Description

Product Description

Schizachyrium s. ‘Twilight Zone’ PP27432 (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Little Bluestem, Ornamental Grass

We are excited to bring you this Schizachyrium because it was a total standout in our trials. Though native Schizachyriums typically color up in fall, ‘Twilight Zone’ possesses a nearly iridescent silvery mauve purple cast all over the whole plant beginning in midsummer. It retains these eerily beautiful tones through fall when brighter purple highlights appear on the flower stems. The attractive foliage forms a strictly upright, narrowly columnar clump that is about half as wide as it is tall.

This grass would be stunning in combination with silver foliage plants like Silver Mound Artemisia in a sunny, hot, dry spot in the landscape. 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.

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.

Height: 4.0-4.5 FeetSpread: 2.0 FeetHardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9Flower Color: Tan shadesFoliage Color: Green shades, Purple shadesFull Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)Low to Average Water NeedsAverage to Fertile Soil QualityBloomtime: Mid FallDeer ResistantSeasonal Interest: Fall ColorGrowth Rate: Medium

Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Erosion Control, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Native to North America

A Captivating Ornamental Grass

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Twilight Zone’, commonly known as Little Bluestem ‘Twilight Zone’, is a captivating ornamental grass native to North America. This cultivar of the North American native Little Bluestem was introduced by Walters Gardens and has quickly become a favorite among gardeners and landscapers for its unique foliage and adaptability. The information presented in this article was gathered from various online sources, including nursery websites and gardening resources, to provide a comprehensive overview of this remarkable plant.

Unlike other Schizachyriums that typically color up in the fall, ‘Twilight Zone’ possesses a nearly iridescent silvery mauve-purple cast all over the whole plant beginning in midsummer. This striking characteristic sets it apart from other Little Bluestems and adds a unique dimension to the landscape. It retains these beautiful tones through the fall when brighter purple highlights appear on the flower stems. ‘Twilight Zone’ stands out with its luminous, silvery-blue foliage that develops hints of purple, especially prominent in mid to late summer. This unique coloration gives the foliage a luminous quality, enhancing its visual appeal. The foliage gradually transitions to include warmer hues in the fall, adding another dimension to the landscape.

The plant has a rigidly upright, columnar growth habit, reaching a mature height of 4.0 to 4.5 feet with a spread of 2.0 feet. This architectural form makes it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and structure to garden designs. In mid-fall, it produces airy, tan-colored seed heads that mature into small grains, providing visual interest and a food source for birds throughout the winter. The fall color of the foliage is shades of purple.

Growing Requirements

‘Twilight Zone’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with dry-to-average soil moisture. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor soils and clay, but prefers fertile, well-drained sites. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and water-conserving landscapes. This grass has a medium growth rate.

This grass does not require fertilization and benefits from being cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This practice promotes a sturdier plant and maintains a tidy appearance. Potential pests include aphids, leaf spot, spider mites, and spittlebugs. To overwinter the plant, it can be kept in a cold frame with clear poly and kept dry.

Potential Uses and Benefits Little Bluestem ‘Twilight Zone’ offers a variety of uses and benefits in the landscape:

Natural Landscaping Its native status makes it a perfect fit for naturalistic gardens, meadows, and prairie restorations.

Erosion Control Its deep roots make it effective for stabilizing soil on banks and slopes.

Ornamental Gardens Its unique foliage and architectural form add interest to beds, borders, and rock gardens.

Wildlife Habitat It provides food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects. The seeds are a valuable food source for birds in winter, and the plant serves as a larval host for nine skipper species. Leaving the foliage standing through the winter provides year-round interest and a valuable food source for birds.

Drought Tolerance Its ability to withstand dry conditions makes it a valuable asset in water-wise gardens.

Low Maintenance It requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.

Other Benefits This versatile ornamental grass is salt tolerant and tolerates heat and humidity. It can be used in green roofs.

Companion Plants

‘Twilight Zone’ Little Bluestem can be effectively combined with a variety of companion plants to create stunning visual displays in the garden. Here are a few suggestions:

• Anemone FALL IN LOVE® ‘Sweetly’ A fall-blooming anemone with large, semi-double, rosy-pink flowers.
• Artemisia ‘Silver Mound’ A low-growing, silvery-leaved plant that provides a contrasting texture.
• Aster ‘Grape Crush’ A compact aster with vibrant purple flowers that bloom in late summer.
• Leucanthemum ‘Marshmallow’ A Shasta daisy with large, fluffy white flowers.
• Liatris ‘Kobold Original’ A compact liatris with dense spikes of purple flowers.
• Sedum ‘Night Embers’ A sedum with dark purple foliage and rosy-pink flowers.

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Twilight Zone’ is a remarkable ornamental grass that offers a unique combination of beauty, adaptability, and ecological benefits. Its distinctive silvery-blue foliage with hints of purple, architectural form, and low-maintenance nature make it a valuable addition to any landscape. Whether you are looking to create a naturalistic garden, add interest to a border, provide habitat for wildlife, or simply enjoy its captivating presence, ‘Twilight Zone’ is an excellent choice. Consider adding this stunning ornamental grass to your garden and witness its beauty firsthand.

Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.

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