Images Depict Mature Plants
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' Plant Patent #25202
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem offers striking blue-green foliage that transforms into vibrant red, orange, and purple hues in fall, adding year-round visual interest to landscapes. Its upright, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant nature makes it perfect for borders, mass plantings, and low-maintenance gardens, while also providing excellent erosion control on slopes.
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Standing Ovation Little Bluestem Plants for Sale Online
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’) is a compact, upright ornamental grass that adds stunning color and texture to any garden. Known for its rigid, upright growth habit, this variety stands out with its blue-green foliage that turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall. Perfect for adding vertical interest, Standing Ovation grows 3-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, making it ideal for borders, mass plantings, and container gardens. Its striking fall color and structural form make it a standout feature in any landscape, even during the cooler months.
Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, Standing Ovation Little Bluestem thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it drought-tolerant and easy to care for once established. This native grass is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, including poor and rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes. Its clumping growth habit provides erosion control on slopes and adds texture to prairies, meadows, and naturalized areas. Additionally, Standing Ovation is deer-resistant, further enhancing its appeal in gardens where wildlife browsing is a concern.
In addition to its ornamental appeal, Standing Ovation Little Bluestem supports local ecosystems by attracting birds and pollinators. The grass’s fluffy seed heads provide food for birds in late fall and winter, while its dense foliage offers habitat for beneficial insects. Whether you’re looking to create a naturalized garden or simply want to add year-round color and interest, Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is a versatile, hardy grass that brings both beauty and ecological benefits to your landscape.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 1 to 2 Feet |
| Classification: | Ornamental grass |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Habit: | Upright |
| Foliage: | Striking blue-green foliage adds great contrast with hints of green, pink, and purple |
| Flower Color: | N/A |
| Soil Condition: | Any well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
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 do I plant Standing Ovation Little Bluestem?
To plant Standing Ovation Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation'), begin by selecting a location with full sun, as this ornamental grass thrives in bright light and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as Standing Ovation tolerates poor or rocky soils but cannot thrive in consistently wet conditions. Start by digging a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and deep enough to keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. After placing the plant in the hole, backfill with soil and gently press down to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly to help establish the roots. When planting multiple Standing Ovation Little Bluestem plants, space them 1 to 2 feet apart to allow for their mature width and upright growth. This spacing ensures proper airflow and reduces the risk of fungal issues in dense plantings. Add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds while leaving some space around the stem to prevent rot. During the first growing season, water regularly to help establish a strong root system, then reduce watering as the plant becomes drought-tolerant. With proper planting and care, Standing Ovation Little Bluestem will bring year-round beauty, adding height, texture, and stunning fall colors to your landscape.
How do I water Standing Ovation Little Bluestem?
To water Standing Ovation Little Bluestem it's important to provide consistent moisture during its first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. This ornamental grass prefers well-drained soil, so avoid overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. During particularly dry periods, supplemental watering may be necessary to keep the soil slightly moist, especially when the plant is young and still establishing. Once Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is established, it becomes highly drought-tolerant and requires much less frequent watering. In fact, overwatering can harm the plant, as it thrives best in dry to moderately moist soil conditions. Typically, natural rainfall is sufficient, but if there are extended dry spells, water deeply every couple of weeks to keep the plant healthy. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. By following a balanced watering routine, your Standing Ovation Little Bluestem will thrive, showcasing its upright blue-green foliage and stunning fall colors with minimal maintenance.
How do I Fertilize Standing Ovation Little Bluestem?
To fertilize Standing Ovation Little Bluestem it's important to use a light hand, as this grass thrives in poor to moderately fertile soils and doesn’t require heavy feeding. In early spring, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer with a formula like 10-10-10 to give the plant a nutrient boost as it begins its growing season. Spread the fertilizer around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the foliage, and water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the root zone. For a more organic option, you can also add compost or well-rotted manure, which will enrich the soil over time and encourage healthy growth. Once Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is established, it typically requires minimal additional fertilization, especially if it’s planted in soil that already has adequate nutrients. Over-fertilizing can lead to overly lush growth, which may compromise the plant’s upright form and make it prone to flopping. A light top-dressing of compost in the spring should be sufficient to maintain healthy, vibrant foliage. By providing just the right amount of nutrients, Standing Ovation Little Bluestem will continue to offer striking blue-green blades in the summer, followed by vibrant fall colors, while maintaining its drought-tolerant, low-maintenance appeal.
How do I Prune Standing Ovation Little Bluestem?
Pruning Standing Ovation Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation') is a simple task that helps maintain its neat, upright form and encourages healthy new growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Use sharp garden shears to cut back the previous season’s growth to about 3-4 inches above the ground. This helps clear away the dead, brown foliage and makes way for the fresh blue-green blades that will emerge in the spring. Removing the old growth also improves airflow around the plant, reducing the risk of pests and diseases. During the growing season, Standing Ovation Little Bluestem typically requires minimal pruning, as its upright growth habit helps it maintain a tidy appearance. However, if any damaged or broken stems appear, you can trim them to keep the plant looking its best. Avoid heavy pruning during the active growing season, as this can stress the plant and affect its vibrant fall color display. By pruning annually in early spring, you’ll help your Standing Ovation Little Bluestem thrive, ensuring it continues to provide stunning vertical interest and seasonal color in your landscape.
