Little Bluestem is one of the "Big Four" dominant grasses of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. 'Standing Ovation' is a cultivated variety of our native Schizachyrium scoparium. It is a warm-season grass that begins the season as a short, dense tuft of curling leaves before it sprouts distinctly vertical, blueish stems 3-4' in height. It puts on a spectacular display of colors in the fall, turning shades of dusky maroon, blazing orange, lavender and bronze. The seed heads are an attractive element that persist into the winter as fluffy tufts along the stems.Little Bluestem is remarkably drought tolerant due to its deep, fibrous root system, and it thrives in full sun and lean soils. Where the species might flop with too much fertility or water, ‘Standing Ovation’ remains standing tall. It makes for a stunning vertical accent in the perennial border and is an effective herbaceous hedge or living screen. It only needs cut back in early spring before the new growth emerges to maintain a tidy look.Sources:
Missouri Botanical Garden
NorthCreek Nurseries
Limited Time Offer:
0
days
0
hours
0
mins
0
secs
Schizachyrium s. 'Standing Ovation' PP25202 (Standing Ovation' Little Bluestem) - 1 gal
Standing Ovation' Little Bluestem
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
·
Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
·
Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
·
Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.