Schizachyrium Standing Ovation

SCSO Little Bluestem, Prairie Beardgrass
$18.95
Buy More & Save! 3 for $17.95 ea.
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Ships Spring 2025 to
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2022 PPA Plant of the Year
Worthy of applause, the tight, upright habit of spiky, bluish-green stems delivers an encore performance in autumn when its foliage transitions to a brilliant, fiery display of orange, red, and yellow hues. Received a top rating at the Penn State University Trial Gardens. Native to the U.S., Schizachyrium is a beautiful vertical accent in perennial borders. S. Standing Ovation will self-seed, though not prolifically. The seed heads are an excellent food source for birds. An ideal ornamental grass for stabilizing slopes prone to erosion.

Minus icon Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Minus icon Height Tall 3' (4' in flower)

Minus icon Spacing Plant 12-18" apart

Minus icon Bloom Time Early Fall to Mid-Fall

Minus icon Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Minus icon Growing Zones 3-8

Minus icon Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy, Acidic

Minus icon Water Needs Low

Minus icon Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

PPA Plant of the Year

Chosen by a national association of gardeners and growers, these standout perennials are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require little maintenance and offer multiple-season interest!

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • For a Slope or Bank
  • Hot Dry Site Tolerant
  • Good for Hedge
  • Humidity Tolerant
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant

Botanical Name

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' (PP25,202)

Schizachyrium General Information

Schizachyrium are North American natives valued for their winter color and interest. Little Bluestem is tolerant of air pollution and black walnut trees and is good for erosion control or shallow, rocky soils. This warm-season grass thrives in a range of habitats, from humid to dry, and provides year-round cover for wildlife. It also serves as a larval host plant for various butterflies and moths. Ornamental grasses are restricted in Oregon.

Schizachyrium Plant Care

Prefers dry, not especially fertile soil. Does not tolerate wet soils. Can be divided in spring when needed. Cut back in early spring leaving 3-4" of previous years growth. Will self sow.

Minus icon All potted plant material is restricted from shipping to Idaho

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October