Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’ is a sturdy upright Little Bluestem cultivar. Plants have attractive fine textured blue-green foliage. In late summer small flowers are held on branched stems above the leaves. Fluffy light catching seed clusters appear and foliage displays intense orange-red hues in fall. The color continues through most of the winter on plants that maintain an upright habit. This handsome grass thrives in prairie type settings or in sunny gardens with mesic or dry soil.
Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’ is a durable warm season bunch grass with a narrow upright habit.
Young leaves and stems are an attractive steely blue with deep purple highlights. Stems and leaves are wider, thicker and sturdier than the species allowing this cultivar to stand strong through adverse growing conditions.
In late summer, branched flower stalks emerge and are held above the leaves. Clusters of fluffy silver seed heads follow in tandem with brilliant orange and burgundy fall foliage.
During winter, plants maintain their stunning fall color or develop glowing amber foliage. The striking vertical stems and handsome upright habit also persevere through inclement winter weather.
This cultivar is about 3-4’ tall with a 12-18” spread.