Standing Ovation Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation') is a colorful native ornamental grass prized for its strong upright habit, blue-green foliage, and exceptional fall color. Growing approximately 3-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, it forms a narrow, vertical clump with sturdy stems that resist flopping even in challenging landscape conditions.
During the growing season, the foliage displays attractive blue-green tones with hints of purple. As temperatures cool in fall, the plant transforms into a brilliant mixture of red, orange, purple, and burgundy. Airy seed heads develop later in the season, adding additional texture and providing food and cover for wildlife. The dried stems can be left standing through winter for continued structure and interest.
Standing Ovation is an excellent choice for mixed borders, mass plantings, native gardens, meadow plantings, slopes, erosion control, or as a vertical accent. Once established, it is exceptionally tolerant of heat, drought, poor soil, and dry conditions.
More About Standing Ovation Little Bluestem
- Low Maintenance
- Moderate Growing
- Perennial Ornamental Grass
- Native Cultivar
- Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Heat Tolerant
- Poor Soil Tolerant
- Mixed Border, Mass Planting, Native Garden, Meadow, Slopes, Erosion Control, Accent
- Strong, Upright Habit
- Excellent Fall Color
- Provides Winter Texture and Structure
- Deer Resistant
- Provides Wildlife Value
Height: 3-4 Feet
Spread: 1-2 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Season of Interest: Summer, Fall, Winter Texture
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Average, Well Draining
- Attributes: Clumping, Upright, Narrow, Native
- Foliage Color: Blue-Green with Purple Tones; Red, Orange, Purple and Burgundy in Fall
- Flower/Seed Head Color: Silvery-Tan
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the strongest upright growth and best foliage coloration. Standing Ovation performs exceptionally well in dry, lean, and well-drained soils. Avoid overly rich soil or consistently wet locations, which can encourage weaker growth and reduce its naturally upright habit.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Standing Ovation is highly drought tolerant and generally requires little supplemental watering except during prolonged periods of extreme drought.
Fertilizing:
Very little fertilizer is required. Little Bluestem performs best in relatively lean soils, and excessive fertilizer can encourage excessive growth and weaker stems.
Pruning:
Leave the dried foliage and seed heads standing through winter for added texture, structure, and wildlife value. Cut the entire plant back to approximately 3-6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
