Schizachyrium scoparium Free Spirit 'Mystic Purple', commonly sold as Little Bluestem 'Mystic Purple', gives you a compact native grass with a strong upright outline and unusual seasonal color. Blue-toned blades build into a vase-shaped clump about 24 to 30 inches tall, spreading 18 to 24 inches wide. As summer turns toward fall, the foliage deepens through purple, wine, and red tones while fine silvery plumes lift above the clump.

Use it where you want a prairie-inspired accent that stays tidy enough for small borders, sunny foundation beds, curbside strips, and large containers. The narrow foliage adds motion without blocking nearby perennials, and the late plumes plus winter seed texture keep the planting interesting after flowers fade. Repeating several plants creates a bright rhythm through meadow-style designs or naturalistic masses.

Plant Schizachyrium scoparium Free Spirit 'Mystic Purple' in full sun and well-drained soil. Lean to average ground is better than rich feeding, because overly fertile or wet conditions can soften the upright habit. Water regularly during establishment, then let the deep roots help the plant handle dry spells, heat, rocky soil, and open exposures. Avoid heavy mulch against the crown.

Care is simple once the clump is settled. Leave the tan stems standing for winter movement, bird value, and protection at the crown, then cut the grass back in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear. Deer usually pass it by, and the native background makes it useful in pollinator-minded plantings. With good drainage and room for airflow, you get durable color, fine texture, and a polished vertical accent.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 4-8 (-30 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun
• Mature height: 24-30"
• Spread: 18-24"
• Tolerant of: Deer, Drought, Poor Soil
• Attracts: Birds
• Good for erosion control: Yes
• Long bloom time: Yes
• Native to the U.S.: Yes

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