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Schizachyrium Shining Star™

SCSS Little Bluestem, Prairie Beardgrass

Sorry Sold Out

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

Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

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

Growing Zones 4-10

Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy, Acidic

Water Needs Low

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

Special Features

Deer Resistant
Hot Dry Site Tolerant
Humidity Tolerant
Seaside/Salt Tolerant

Botanical Name

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Shining Star™' (PP33,433)

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.

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