'Twilight Zone' is a patented selection of little bluestem, a native bunchgrass of prairies and open ground across most of the US. The tag shows a clean, upright clump of blue-green blades that stay compact and hold their shape. Fall brings purple-bronze tones and the tag marks fall as its peak season, followed by fluffy silvery seed heads and straw-colored winter foliage.
It wants full sun and lean, well-drained soil, and tolerates drought, heat, and poor ground; rich or wet soil makes it flop. Birds feed on the seed and the clumps give cover to overwintering insects. Leave it standing through winter, cut stems to 4 to 6 inches in late winter, and divide in spring if the center thins.
Ecoregions:Northern ForestsNorthwestern Forested MountainsEastern Temperate ForestsGreat PlainsNorth American Deserts
Rust
Orange to brown raised pustules on the undersides of leaves, with yellow spotting on the upper surface. Heavy infections cause leaves to yellow and drop.
Remove and destroy infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation. Apply a sulfur or copper-based fungicide if it spreads. Clear plant debris in fall.
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.