Little Bluestm (Schizachyrium scoparium) 'Standing Ovation' is a gorgeous cultivar of Little Bluestem known for its beautiful color changes and tidy appearance due its resistance to flopping, even with wind, rain, and snow. 'Standing Ovation' will start the year with hues of blue, green, and purple through spring and summer, and transition to brilliant displays of red, orange, and purple in the fall. The blades of this cultivar are also thicker than the regular species. Plant in garden beds or borders as an impressive speciman plant or in groups, or use in prairie plantings. This cultivar tolerates clay soils and is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution and city sites.
Little Bluestem 'Standing Ovation'
Native to Cache County: No
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days) (preferred), but could be planted in a Very Low (Water to Establish) zone if given a few deep waterings in dry summers.
Mature Size: 3 - 4' tall and 12 - 18" wide
Spacing: 18 - 24" apart
Season: Warm-season grass
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Moderately
Soils: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are well-drained
Little Bluestem is one of the best native grasses for roosting and habitat, according to the USDA. It provides habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals all year. It's seed also provide a winter food source for some bird species.