Little Bluestem Grass

About this plant

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' is a standout cultivar of Little Bluestem, native to North American prairies. This perennial grass forms an upright, narrow clump of blue-green foliage that transforms into a kaleidoscope of orange, red, and purple hues in the autumn, holding its vibrant color well into winter. Beyond its stunning aesthetics, 'Standing Ovation' offers significant environmental advantages. Its deep root system helps with erosion control and improves soil structure, while its fine-textured blades and fluffy seed heads provide shelter and food for various wildlife, particularly birds through the colder months. Hardy and adaptable, this grass is an excellent choice for a variety of garden styles, from naturalistic and prairie plantings to contemporary designs. Its vertical growth habit makes it ideal for adding structure, movement, and year-round interest to borders, mass plantings, or as a striking specimen.

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 is remarkably low-maintenance once established. It thrives in well-drained soil and generally requires no fertilization. Cut back foliage to 4-6 inches in early spring before new growth appears to maintain a tidy appearance. It is very drought tolerant and pest-resistant.

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.