- Adaptable Ornamental Grass
- North American Prairie Native
- Strong, Upright Growth Habit
- Blue Green Summer Foliage
- Outstanding Fall Colors
- Great Snack for Birds
- Summer Heat and Drought Tolerant
- Strong Winter Presence
- Low Maintenance and Deer Resistant
When it comes to selecting ornamental grasses there is something about native grasses that steal the show. From natural survivability adapted for the region to a grower’s contribution to the local environment, it’s hard to go wrong with local selections.
The Standing Ovation Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’) is a fine example. The native plant Little Bluestem has grown in prairies of the United States for decades and decades, and as such has adapted to the conditions typical of the rolling plains.
The Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is a warm-season grass, waiting until later in spring to start greening for its growing season. This grass loves heat and is very tolerant of dry soil while soaking in unrestricted full sun.
The seed heads of this plant developing are a cause for celebration! Not only does it add attractive texture to your garden, but the seeds are also a great source of food for local birds who will come flocking for a snack!
One of the more interesting qualities of this ornamental grass is the wide variety of foliage colors based on the current season. In the summer it earns the name Standing Ovation Little Bluestem with tall, clustered growth of blue-green blades of grass with a deep purple base.
As summer comes to an end, however, the cold of the season starts to bring out brilliant fiery colored foliage through fall. Winter to early spring views benefits from this little bluestem as well! Just wait till you see this ornamental accented by a fresh sheet of untouched snow.
Another defining feature of the Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is its tight, upright natural growth pattern. The clean growth of this ornamental grass makes it appear uniform with very little attention from you required!
How to Use Standing Ovation Little Bluestem in the Landscape
The Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is the ornamental grass to border perennial gardens.This selection of the native Little Bluestem was made because of its fantastic upright form that does not flop but makes an excellent hedge, backdrop or more formal application because of the form.
Like many types of grass, this Little Bluestem grass also contributes to the environment as a form of erosion control.
The dense, deep growing root system of this ornamental plant can be grown on hills surrounding your yard to add some appeal to the landscape while preventing the soil from displacing over time.
The compact upward growth of this grass makes it a perfect fit for solo planting! This makes it a great addition to many island planting methods, or even just a different take on planter and container plants!
If allowed to grow freely the height of the Standing Ovation Little Bluestem can rival that of some low-growing privacy shrubs. Use this to your advantage and plant several of these grass shoots in sequence to create a heat-tolerant border to your paths or plant beds.
Tips for Care
When first planting your Little Bluestem it is best to wait until either mid-spring or late summer/early fall. This gives the plant time to settle into its new home before frost or intense heat starts to damage new growths.
The Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but does not fare well in heavy moisture. Refrain from overwatering your grass, and if possible, plant in lower-fertility soil.
This Little Bluestem species is particularly susceptible to lack of sunlight. It takes very little shade to stunt this grass’s growth and development, so be sure this ornamental is planted with plenty of potential for full sun.
In early spring, the old foliage and flowering stems should be cut down do just a few inches each year just before the new growth begins. If your clump has gotten too wide, a portion can be spaded out from the mother plant leaving a portion in the ground and removing a chunk to another part of your landscape.
You shouldn’t have to worry about your Standing Ovation Little Bluestem much as your typical plant. Adapted to many environments from seaside to arid climates, this grass is even deer and pest resistant!
For an attractive and hardy addition to your garden look no further than the Standing Ovation Little Bluestem.
