

Little Bluestem 'Standing Ovation'
Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation'
'Standing Ovation' is everything you love about Little Bluestem, but tighter and more upright. selected specifically for a columnar form that holds its shape without flopping, even in rich soils or partly shaded spots where the species can lean. The blue-green summer foliage stands at attention all season, then transforms to one of the deepest red-purples of any ornamental grass in fall. This cultivar works beautifully in designed garden settings where the species can feel too wild. Mass it in a narrow border, use it as a low hedge alongside a path, or mix it with late-season perennials like asters and goldenrod for a fall display that sustains itself for months. The upright habit makes it excellent in containers for a sunny patio. It carries all the ecological value of the species. skipper butterfly host plant, songbird seed source. in a tidier package that integrates into formal and semi-formal garden designs without looking out of place. Cut it back to 4 inches in late winter.
We grow a range of sizes and prices. Add the plant to your list, then pick your size when you visit.
Final price confirmed at pickup, depends on size and season.
- Thu, Jul 238 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Jul 248 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Jul 258 AM – 2 PM
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown little bluestem 'standing ovation' propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 2'–3.5'
- Bloom
- Summer. tight blue-green upright columns; fall. deep red-purple color that outdoes the species; winter. silvery seedheads persist
- USDA zones
- 3–9
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside little bluestem 'standing ovation'.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle 9–12 species that work together. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.

Butterfly Package
Host and nectar plants chosen to feed monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries spring through fall.

Hummingbird Package
Tubular-flowered natives that pull ruby-throats through your yard April through October.

S.O.S. Package
Save Our Songbirds, berry- and seed-bearing natives that feed nesting and migrating birds.