Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as little bluestem, is a type of grass native to North America. It is found in prairies, fields, clearings, hills, limestone glades, roadsides, waste areas, and open woods from Alberta to Quebec, Arizona to Florida. Little bluestem typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet and has slender, flat, linear green leaves that turn bronze-orange in the fall. In August, it produces purplish-bronze flowers followed by fluffy, silvery-white seed heads that are attractive and often persist into winter. Many species of birds feed on its seeds.
‘Standing Ovation’ is a cultivar that features blue leaf blades with red tips. Leaf blades are broader than those found on straight-species plants. Fall color consists of attractive shades of red and maroon, with retention of such colors continuing late in the season (no “brown out”). The upright and rigid plant habit of this cultivar is typically retained without lodging when plants are grown in rich soils. ‘Standing Ovation’ was discovered as a naturally occurring whole plant mutation in Landenberg, Pennsylvania in the summer of 2003. Parentage is unknown, but ‘The Blues’ is considered to be a likely parent. U.S. Plant Patent PP25,202 was issued on December 30, 2014.
It is easy to grow little bluestem on average, with dry to medium moisture and well-drained soil in full sun. The plant tolerates various soil conditions, including clay soils and occasional inundation. It performs well in poor soils and has good drought resistance once established. The plant is also tolerant of high heat and humidity. To avoid flopping late in the season, it is best to plant it in full sun and cut it to the ground in late winter to early spring.
