Species
Schizachyrium scopariumLittle Bluestem9 other cultivars
‘Little Bluestem’Little Bluestem
‘Standing Ovation’Standing Ovation Little Bluestem
‘Twilight Zone’Twilight Zone Little Bluestem
‘Blue Heaven’Blue Heaven Little Bluestem
‘Smoke Signal’'Smoke Signal' Little Bluestem
‘The Blues’The Blues Little Bluestem
‘Chameleon Variegated’Chameleon Variegated Little Bluestem
‘Blue Paradise’Blue Paradise Little Bluestem
‘Shining Star’Little Bluestem Shining Star
The Story
Plant Bio
Schizachyrium scoparium, or Little Bluestem, is a native North American prairie grass known for its fine-textured foliage that changes color through the seasons and its upright, clumping habit.
This cultivar is distinguished by its variegated foliage with green and white stripes that develop pink and burgundy highlights in the fall, offering multi-season interest.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote root growth.
- Transplant seedlings after the last frost for optimal establishment.
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to rejuvenate plants.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune back in late winter to encourage healthy new growth.
Pro Tip
Use a sunny location with well-draining soil to ensure vibrant foliage and robust growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during the growing season
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
- Avoid planting in poorly-drained areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Chameleon Little Bluestem questions
What zones can Chameleon Little Bluestem grow in?
Chameleon Little Bluestem is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Chameleon Little Bluestem deer resistant?
Yes — Chameleon Little Bluestem is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Chameleon Little Bluestem bloom?
Chameleon Little Bluestem typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Chameleon Little Bluestem need full sun?
Chameleon Little Bluestem does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Chameleon Little Bluestem drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Chameleon Little Bluestem handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Schizachyrium to compare
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Little Bluestem'
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation'
Twilight Zone Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Twilight Zone'
Blue Heaven Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'
'Smoke Signal' Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'
The Blues Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Chameleon Little Bluestem with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.