Little Bluestem Grass

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with Schizachyrium scoparium 'Ha Ha Tonka', a distinguished cultivar of our beloved native Little Bluestem. This ornamental grass boasts an upright, airy habit that remains attractive throughout the year, beginning with blue-green stems in spring and summer. As autumn approaches, it transforms into an unforgettable display of copper, orange, and deep reddish-purple hues, providing unparalleled fall and winter interest. 'Ha Ha Tonka' is not just beautiful; it's also incredibly adaptable and resilient. Its fine texture and vibrant coloration make it an ideal choice for naturalized meadows, mixed borders, or as a striking mass planting. The delicate, airy seed heads that emerge in late summer add another layer of visual appeal, shimmering in the sunlight and providing sustenance for birds. Chosen for its superior form and color stability, 'Ha Ha Tonka' offers a sophisticated, low-maintenance solution for adding movement, texture, and a touch of wild elegance to any garden. It's a true investment in lasting beauty, perfectly suited for the discerning gardener seeking both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefit.

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

This exceptionally low-maintenance grass thrives in a variety of conditions. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Cut back foliage to 4-6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak, floppy growth. 'Ha Ha Tonka' prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate consistently wet conditions.

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.