Images Depict Mature Plants
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' Plant Patent #25202
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is one of our favorite native grasses — reliable, showy, and incredibly tough. It adds texture, movement, and color through every season while requiring almost no care. If you’re building a pollinator-friendly or low-water landscape, this grass earns a standing ovation every time.
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Vibrant, Upright Native Grass with Four-Season Appeal
Native Beauty with Striking Color
Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’ is an exceptional selection of native Little Bluestem that truly lives up to its name. Known for its sturdy, upright habit and ever-changing color, this grass begins blue-green in summer, shifts to purple and bronze in fall, and holds its dramatic tones through winter. It’s a standout performer in pollinator-friendly and low-maintenance landscapes alike.
Compact, Vertical, and Wind-Tolerant
Reaching 3–4 feet tall and 1.5–2 feet wide, ‘Standing Ovation’ maintains a tight, upright form that doesn’t flop — even in heavy rain or wind. It’s perfect for adding texture and height without overwhelming nearby plants. The fine blades sway gracefully in the breeze, creating year-round movement and visual interest.
Drought-Tolerant and Low-Maintenance
Once established, this native grass is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils. It requires no supplemental watering or fertilizer once mature, making it ideal for sustainable landscapes and xeriscaping. It’s also deer- and rabbit-resistant, ensuring reliable structure and color season after season.
Perfect for Meadows, Borders, and Naturalized Gardens
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem fits beautifully into prairie-style gardens, sunny slopes, and mixed perennial borders. Its compact stature and deep roots make it useful for erosion control, while its seeds attract songbirds in winter. Plant it in drifts for dramatic color or as a specimen for an eye-catching focal point.
| Botanical Name | Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’ |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 1.5 to 2 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Bloom Time / Color | Summer to Winter / Blue-green to red-bronze |
| Soil Condition: | Well-drained, sandy to average soil |
| Water Requirements: | Low once established |
| Resistance | Deer- and rabbit-resistant, drought-tolerant |
| Landscape Uses | Borders, meadows, slopes, pollinator gardens |
How to Care for Standing Ovation Little Bluestem
Before you buy a Standing Ovation Little Bluestem, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Standing Ovation Little Bluestem?
Choose a location in full sun with well-draining soil. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Loosen the soil to encourage root expansion and mix in compost if needed to improve drainage in clay soils. Place the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface, backfill gently, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. For group plantings or naturalized settings, space plants 18–24 inches apart for full coverage within a season. This spacing allows room for airflow and root development while creating a cohesive mass of upright color. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and reduce weeds, avoiding thick layers that hold excess water near the crown.
How often should I water Standing Ovation Little Bluestem after planting?
Water regularly for the first growing season to help the plant establish deep roots. Once established, it needs little supplemental water, thriving even in hot, dry conditions. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s better to let the soil dry slightly between waterings. During extended droughts or extreme heat, provide a deep soak every two to three weeks. Consistent watering during establishment ensures stronger, more resilient clumps in the following years.
When should I fertilize Standing Ovation Little Bluestem?
This native grass rarely needs fertilizer. If your soil is very poor, a light application of slow-release balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring can support healthy new growth. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which can cause floppy stems. Alternatively, enrich the soil with compost or leaf mold once a year to improve structure and organic content. Native grasses like Standing Ovation thrive best in lean soils and perform beautifully without extra inputs.
When and how should I prune Standing Ovation Little Bluestem?
Cut the grass back to 3–4 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This refreshes the clump and allows sunlight to reach the crown. Use sharp shears or hedge trimmers for a clean cut. Leaving the seed heads standing through winter adds visual interest and provides food for birds. Avoid cutting back in fall — the dried stems offer both wildlife value and cold-season beauty.
