Little Bluestem Grass 'Chameleon'

About this plant

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon' transforms your landscape with an unparalleled display of foliage color, earning its namesake. Throughout the spring and summer, its fine-textured blades emerge with a refreshing blend of green and blue, subtly variegated with creamy white. As autumn arrives, 'Chameleon' truly lives up to its name, bursting into a breathtaking spectacle of deep purples, fiery oranges, and rich reds. This upright, clumping grass provides four seasons of interest, offering delicate seed heads that shimmer in the winter sun, adding architectural beauty to the dormant landscape. Ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as an accent in naturalized settings, 'Chameleon' is not just beautiful but also incredibly tough. It thrives in challenging conditions, making it an excellent choice for sustainable landscapes that require minimal intervention.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Little Bluestem 'Chameleon' is remarkably low-maintenance. Plant in well-draining soil and provide occasional water during its establishment period. Once mature, it is highly drought tolerant. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain a tidy appearance. No significant pest or disease issues.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.