Little Bluestem Grass

About this plant

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Ha Ha Tonka' is a captivating cultivar of our native Little Bluestem, celebrated for its upright, airy habit and exceptional four-season appeal. Throughout spring and summer, its fine-textured foliage emerges with glaucous blue-green hues, providing a cool, calming presence in the garden. As autumn arrives, this grass transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, igniting with fiery shades of copper, orange, and deep red, holding its vibrant color well into winter. Beyond its stunning aesthetic, 'Ha Ha Tonka' offers remarkable resilience. This drought-tolerant, low-maintenance grass thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas, meadows, borders, or contemporary landscape designs. Its delicate seed heads add whimsical movement and provide valuable winter interest, attracting small songbirds. Ideal for creating visual interest with its vertical lines and soft, flowing texture, 'Ha Ha Tonka' pairs beautifully with coneflowers, sedum, and other drought-tolerant perennials. A true workhorse in the garden, it provides both beauty and ecological benefits, enhancing both curb appeal and biodiversity.

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

Generally low-maintenance. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Requires very little fertilization once established. Can be divided in spring if clumps become too large.

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.