Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' - Little Bluestem

🌿 Characteristics

Type: Ornamental perennial grass
Common name: Little bluestem, Broom sedge
Scientific name: Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation'
Foliage color: Bluish-green in summer, turning bronze-red and orange in autumn
Flower color: Red and purple, in upright and slender spikes
Mature height: 0.60–0.90 m (2–3 ft)
Mature width: 0.45–0.60 m (1.5–2 ft)
Habit: Upright, compact, forming dense and architectural clumps
Flowering period: August to October
Exposure: Full sun
Watering needs: Low to moderate, drought tolerant
Soil type: Well-drained, poor to average, tolerates dry soils
Hardiness zone: Zone 3 to 9
Drought tolerance: Excellent
Pollinator plant: No
Attracts pollinators: Yes, especially birds and insects
Toxicity to animals: Non-toxic

✂️ Care

Plant in full sun in well-drained, poor to average soil. This grass is very drought tolerant once established and requires little watering. Cut back to the ground in spring before new growth to promote a compact and vigorous silhouette.

This hardy perennial thrives with minimal maintenance and requires no winter protection. Valued for its spectacular upright habit and flamboyant fall colors, it is ideal for grass gardens, structural borders, and contemporary landscape designs. Its persistent spikes offer extended ornamental interest in autumn and winter.