From France comes Chameleon Little Blue Stem Grass, a glamorous selection of our beloved native prairie perennial Blue Stem Grass, Schizachyrium. Its stunning variegation that changes colors as the season progresses elevates Chameleon Little Bluestem to the top of the showiest grass list. First, bright white and green stripes adorn the early leaves. Later in summer and fall, the remarkable blades develop a pink, red, and light purple flush, bringing striking good looks. It has a compact 2′ tall habit that easily fits in most gardens and containers. Chameleon Little Bluestem was discovered in Hantay, France, as a chance seedling in a trial field with other Schizachyrium scoparium seed selections. Purplish red flowers appear in 3′ long racemes in August. Fluffy, silvery-white seed heads follow and persist into winter. In fall, its foliage turns an outstanding array of colors, including oranges, reds, yellows, and bronze-orange. The foliage stays attractive all winter.

Little Bluestem and its hybrids have won the prestigious 2022 Perennial Plant Association Perennial Of The Year award for their outstanding qualities. The Perennial Plant Association reports:

Summer through fall, little bluestem’s slender leaves and stems are an ever-changing kaleidoscope of gray-green, blue, pink, purple, copper, mahogany, red, and orange tones. Wispy silver-white seed heads sparkle in autumn sunlight, and coppery brown leaves persist through winter. Little Bluestem is a rugged and dependable clumping grass that blends well with perennials such as asters, sedums, coneflowers, and other grasses. Native grasses play their part in the pollinator story, too. Little bluestem is a larval host for various butterflies and moths such as Crossline Skipper, Dakota Skipper, and Ottoe Skipper.

Native to a broad swath of North America, it was one of the dominant grasses of the vast tallgrass prairies. On average, stems remain upright in lean, well-drained soils but can flop easily if conditions are too rich or moist. Cultivars have been selected for shorter plants, enhanced leaf colors, and stronger stems. Little bluestem’s spikiness complements native and non-native perennials alike. An easy fit for mass plantings or meadows, it is just as brilliant in traditional borders, gravel gardens, and green roofs.

Easy to grow in full sun and average to poor soil. Deer resistant.

Plant in full sun.