Species
Schizachyrium scopariumLittle Bluestem9 other cultivars
‘Little Bluestem’Little Bluestem
‘Chameleon’Chameleon Little Bluestem
‘Twilight Zone’Twilight Zone Little Bluestem
‘Smoke Signal’'Smoke Signal' Little Bluestem
‘Blue Heaven’Blue Heaven Little Bluestem
‘Chameleon Variegated’Chameleon Variegated Little Bluestem
‘The Blues’The Blues Little Bluestem
‘Blue Paradise’Blue Paradise Little Bluestem
‘Shining Star’Little Bluestem Shining Star
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation'
The Story
Plant Bio
Standing Ovation is a cultivar of little bluestem known for its upright growth habit and attractive color.
This cultivar stands taller and has a more consistent form compared to other varieties of Schizachyrium scoparium.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
42 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Dry to medium
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-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting process.
- Transplant seedlings after the danger of frost has passed, approximately 6 weeks.
- Water consistently during the first growing season to establish roots.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use a sunny location with well-draining soil for optimal growth and vibrant foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 💧
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in late winter ✂️
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for vigorous growth
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and control weeds
- Divide clumps in early spring to rejuvenate plants
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize in late fall to prevent unwanted growth
- Refrain from disturbing the roots excessively during division
- Never leave dead or diseased foliage unremoved
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem questions
What zones can Standing Ovation Little Bluestem grow in?
Standing Ovation 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 Standing Ovation Little Bluestem deer resistant?
Yes — Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Standing Ovation Little Bluestem bloom?
Standing Ovation 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 Standing Ovation Little Bluestem need full sun?
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Standing Ovation Little Bluestem drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Standing Ovation 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'
Chameleon Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon'
Twilight Zone Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Twilight Zone'
'Smoke Signal' Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Smoke Signal'
Blue Heaven Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Heaven'
Chameleon Variegated Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon Variegated'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Standing Ovation 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.