All About Little Bluestem ‘Standing Ovation’

Your Guide to Planning, Planting and Growing Little Bluestem ‘Standing Ovation’

Little Bluestem 'Standing Ovation' (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a grass worthy of applause! Its compact, upright ornamental grass is prized for its vivid fall color and strong structure.

Blue-green foliage emerges in spring with striking red accents during the growing season that gradually deepening to rich shades of red, maroon, and purple in the fall. It stands out for maintaining its upright form during wind or heavy rain. Adaptable and low-maintenance, ‘Standing Ovation’ attracts birds and wildlife while also deer resistant.

Plan for Success
Full Sun
For the best color and form, ‘Standing Ovation’ should be grown in a full sun location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It will tolerate light shade, but expect a loss of color intensity or flopping if it gets too much shade.

Hardiness Zone 3-9
Grows well in hardiness zones 3 through 9, tolerating cold winters and hot summers.

Bare Root vs Potted
Bare root perennials often provide better value, a wider selection, and potentially healthier plants than potted ones. They typically establish more quickly, grow faster, and are easier to plant.

When to Plant
Planting bare root ornamental grasses in the fall gives them time to develop a strong root system before winter, resulting in healthier growth and more vibrant displays in spring. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall of fall create ideal conditions for root establishment.

Plant your bare root grass within a week of bringing it home. If you are unable to plant within a week and need to push out planting up to 2 weeks, keep the roots moist, but not saturated. You can wrap them in a paper towel or burlap and secure them with twine. Store in a cool, dark place (unheated shed or garage).

How to Plant

Before planting, hydrate the roots by submerging them in water for at least an hour to ensure they are hydrated.

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the roots and the same depth in a well-drained, shade location
2. Place the roots in the hole with the top of the root crown slightly higher than the surrounding soil
3. Build a water-retaining berm around the hole to retain moisture
4. Backfill the hole halfway with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate any pockets of air around the roots.
5. Continue backfilling with soil until the soil is level.
6. Water deeply.

Where to Plant
Little Bluestem ‘Standing Ovation’ is versatile and fits beautifully in many landscape settings. Choose a sunny, well-draining location. Its tall stature is great as a vertical accent in the middle or back of a sunny border. Add color and texture in gardens and beds from summer through winter. This native plant supports pollinators and birds, so pair with other prairie perennials like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and coreopsis for a beautiful wildlife garden that offers shelter and seeds for birds.

What to Expect
Spring Planted Little Bluestem Grasses
When planting bare root grass, you can expect a somewhat slow start, but with proper care, it will establish well and grow into a healthy, attractive plant. You may see no foliage or just a few brownish ones because it is dormant. This is normal! Focus on the roots and potential rather than the top of the plant.

The roots will be exposed and may look dry. Soaking them before planting is helpful. In the first 2 weeks after planting, you won’t be able to see it, but the roots will begin to wake up. Within 3-6 weeks, you may see new green shoots start to emerge, especially if the weather is warm. Growth is slow and modest at first, so be patient. By one full season, you will see grass about 1.5ft tall and 8” wide. Over the years, it will gradually get larger and reach its full potential by the 3rd growing season at 3-4ft tall and 2-3ft wide.

Fall Planted Little Bluestem Grasses
When planted in the fall, these grasses benefit from cooler temperatures and moist soil, allowing their roots to establish before winter. While top growth may not be immediately vigorous, the root system will develop underground, setting the stage for strong, healthy growth in spring. After going dormant for the winter, growth begins in early spring and will be gradual as the temperatures rise but will become steady as the season progresses. 
 

How to Care for Little Bluestem ‘Standing Ovation’
Caring for Little Bluestem ‘Standing Ovation’  is relatively easy. Keep the soil consistently moist when newly planted. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant so avoid over-watering as this can cause the plant to flop.

Standing Ovation does not require fertilizing. If clumps become too large, divide in early summer. Leave the foliage intact through the winter for visual interest and wildlife benefit.