Schizachyrium Shining Star™

Little Bluestem

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2022 PPA Plant of the Year
A variegated Little Bluestem! Cream & green foliage blushes pink with cooler temps. This North American native ornamental grass with its deep root system is an ideal erosion control for slopes or banks. Bird friendly, the wispy seed heads attract songbirds in fall and the dense foliage mounds provide shelter and nesting material in spring. The feathery inflorescences are held upright and do not lodge. Audubon touts Little Bluestem as a living bird feeder and their recommendation to “Go Native” will attract the greatest variety and abundance of birds to your home gardens. For more information, visit our Useful Links page for Native Plants - Audubon’s suggested plants for bird habitat support. Schizachyrium Shining Star’s superior attributes continue with its tolerance to road salt and ability to thrive in heat and humidity combined with its success in a wide range of soil conditions.

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

2022 PPA Plant of the Year
A variegated Little Bluestem! Cream & green foliage blushes pink with cooler temps. This North American native ornamental grass with its deep root system is an ideal erosion control for slopes or banks. Bird friendly, the wispy seed heads attract songbirds in fall and the dense foliage mounds provide shelter and nesting material in spring. The feathery inflorescences are held upright and do not lodge. Audubon touts Little Bluestem as a living bird feeder and their recommendation to “Go Native” will attract the greatest variety and abundance of birds to your home gardens. For more information, visit our Useful Links page for Native Plants - Audubon’s suggested plants for bird habitat support. Schizachyrium Shining Star’s superior attributes continue with its tolerance to road salt and ability to thrive in heat and humidity combined with its success in a wide range of soil conditions.

Code SCSS

Patent Pending

Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Species scoparium

Height Medium 15-18" (30" in flower)

Spacing Plant 2' apart

Bloom Time Late Summer to Early Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Zones 4-10

Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy, Acidic

Water Needs Low

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
  • Hot Dry Site Tolerant
  • Good for Hedge
  • Humidity Tolerant
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant

Schizachyrium General Information

Schizachyrium are North American natives valued for their winter color and interest. Ornamental Grasses are restricted from Idaho and Oregon. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

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.

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

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