Product Description
Schizachyrium s. 'Cinnamon Sticks' PPAF (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Cinnamon Sticks' is a captivating ornamental grass that offers a dynamic seasonal transformation, making it a standout in any landscape. This exceptional cultivar of Little Bluestem is celebrated for its remarkably early and long-lasting display of deep cinnamon red foliage, culminating in a spectacular autumn show. For much of the growing season, its slender, upright stems boast an attractive vivid blue hue, living up to its common name. 'Cinnamon Sticks' is an exceptionally slender selection, making it an ideal choice for adding vertical interest to narrow garden spaces or providing a fine texture in mixed plantings. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this robust native grass is an excellent choice for challenging conditions, thriving in hot, dry areas where many other plants struggle, and proving invaluable for erosion control.
- Height: Grows to a mature height of 32 to 36 inches, providing significant vertical presence.
- Spread: Forms a graceful, upright clump with a spread of 24 to 26 inches, maintaining a relatively narrow footprint.
- Foliage: The slender, linear leaves emerge with a distinct blue coloration, which intensifies throughout the summer. As autumn approaches, the foliage transitions to stunning shades of cinnamon and purple, providing prolonged seasonal interest.
- Stems: Erect, slender stems contribute to its upright and airy habit.
- Flowers: Produces inconspicuous, tan-colored flower spikes in late summer to early fall, which contribute to the overall texture of the plant but are not the primary ornamental feature. These often develop into fuzzy, attractive seed heads.
- Foliage Color: Transitions from vivid blue shades in spring and summer to striking purple and deep cinnamon shades in fall, offering multi-seasonal interest.
- Flower Color: Inconspicuous tan shades.
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall, when the delicate seed heads appear.
- Growth Rate: Medium, establishing a good presence within a year or two.
- Seasonal Interest: Its primary ornamental value lies in its exceptional fall color, which develops early and persists for an extended period. The blue summer foliage also provides subtle beauty.
- Critter Resistant: Deer resistant, making it a good choice for areas where deer Browse is a concern.
- Drought Tolerant: Highly drought tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
- Heat and Humidity Tolerant: Exhibits excellent tolerance to hot and humid conditions, expanding its adaptability to various climates.
- Erosion Control: Its fibrous root system makes it an excellent plant for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion.
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Cinnamon Sticks' (PPAF) represents a significant improvement in Little Bluestem cultivars, specifically bred for its intensified and prolonged fall color. Its slender habit also offers new design possibilities for smaller gardens or for creating vertical accents without consuming too much space. As a native North American grass, it is ecologically valuable, providing habitat and food for various wildlife, though it is not specifically noted to attract a wide range of beneficial insects.
Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem, is native to a vast range of North America, extending from the Canadian prairies south through the central and eastern United States. It is a dominant component of tallgrass prairies and is often found in open woodlands, fields, and disturbed areas. This widespread native habitat contributes to its remarkable adaptability and resilience in various growing conditions.
Landscaping Design Tips
'Cinnamon Sticks' is a versatile and visually impactful grass that can be incorporated into numerous landscape styles:
- Mass Planting: Plant in large drifts or masses to create a stunning wave of seasonal color, particularly effective in meadow or prairie-style gardens. Its uniform height and spread make it ideal for broad sweeps.
- Border Plant: Its upright, slender form makes it an excellent choice for the middle or back of a mixed perennial border, adding height, texture, and seasonal color without overwhelming other plants.
- Focal Point: Use as a distinctive focal point in smaller garden beds or rock gardens, where its unique color transitions can be fully appreciated.
- Prairie Gardens: An indispensable component of native prairie restorations and stylized prairie gardens, providing authentic texture and fall color.
- Rain Garden: Its tolerance for both average and extremely dry soil conditions makes it a suitable choice for the drier zones of a rain garden, helping to manage stormwater runoff.
- Eclectic Gardens: Its strong architectural form and dramatic color changes make it a unique addition to eclectic garden designs, offering a modern aesthetic.
- Cut Foliage: The vibrant autumn foliage can be cut and used in dried arrangements, adding long-lasting natural beauty to indoor decor.
- Narrow Spaces: Due to its exceptionally slender habit, it is perfect for adding verticality to tight spots, such as along pathways or between larger shrubs.
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Cinnamon Sticks' is exceptionally hardy, thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. This wide hardiness range makes it a reliable choice for a broad spectrum of climates, enduring harsh winters and hot summers.
Planting and Cultivation
- Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to achieve the best foliage color and maintain a sturdy, upright habit.
- Water Requirements: Has low to average water needs. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation, even in dry conditions. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Soil Quality: Adapts well to average to fertile soil quality. The most critical factor is excellent drainage. It thrives in lean, well-drained soils.
- Soil Chemistry: Tolerant of both acidic and neutral soil pH.
- Planting: Plant in well-drained soil, ensuring the crown of the plant is at soil level. Space plants 24-26 inches apart to allow for mature spread and good air circulation.
- Fertilization: Does not require fertilization. In fact, rich soils and excessive fertilization can lead to weaker growth and flopping.
- Maintenance: 'Cinnamon Sticks' is very easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
- Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges. This practice helps maintain a sturdier plant for the coming year and removes old, faded foliage, making way for fresh growth.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally free from significant pest and disease problems.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25-inch deep x 2-inch wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
