Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation' is a robust upright cultivar of little bluestem bred for its exceptional form and color. It features blue green summer foliage that turns red, orange, and purple in fall with fluffy silver seed heads.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Dry, well drained soils; tolerates rocky and sandy conditions
Watering Needs: Low; thrives on neglect once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Schizachyrium scoparium, a grass native to much of North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Provides habitat and larval food for skipper species such as Cobweb Skipper and Indian Skipper.
Birds
- Seeds feed goldfinches, field sparrows, and other grassland songbirds in fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to preserve upright form and prevent crowding.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for sunny slopes, naturalistic plantings, prairie reconstructions, or as a structural accent in low input gardens.
Companion Plants
- Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) - Contrasts dramatically in form and attracts beneficial insects.
- Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant) - Offers height and bold foliage with midsummer blooms in large native beds.
- Monarda punctata (Spotted Beebalm) - Brings architectural whorls of pale flowers and pollinator appeal.
- Vernonia noveboracensis (Ironweed) - Adds vertical purple flowers and late summer pollinator support.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Combines well in dry, open plantings with bold color and wildlife value.