Grass - Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' PP222 - Standing Ovation Little Bluestem

Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is a magnet for wildlife, particularly birds and beneficial insects. The seed heads provide a valuable food source for birds in the fall and winter, while the dense, upright foliage offers shelter for small wildlife. The plant also attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees during its blooming period.

• Seasonality: Deciduous; dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Late summer to early fall (August-September)
• Bloom Description: Standing Ovation produces airy, fluffy flower panicles in late summer. The flower spikes are silver to purple, rising above the foliage and turning into silky seed heads that persist through winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.

Excellent for naturalistic or prairie-style plantings, erosion control on slopes, mass planting for fall color, wildlife gardens, low-maintenance borders, and as a vertical accent in dry or native landscapes

The narrow, upright leaves of Standing Ovation are a stunning blue-green with red highlights, transitioning to vibrant hues of orange, red, and purple in the fall. Unlike other Little Bluestem varieties, this selection has thicker, more rigid leaves, giving it an upright, columnar appearance that remains strong even in challenging conditions like wind and drought.

The grass produces slender, upright flower panicles that emerge in late summer. These airy blooms range from silvery-white to reddish-purple and add a delicate, shimmering texture. They rise above the foliage on stiff stalks and catch the light beautifully.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler, allowing the plant to establish roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil but is highly adaptable to poor, dry, or rocky soils. Standing Ovation thrives in conditions where other plants may struggle, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for mature spread and to create a dense, upright clump effect in mass plantings or borders.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation'. In late winter or early spring, cut the dead foliage back to about 6-12 inches from the ground to allow new growth to emerge. Avoid cutting back in fall, as the dried flower heads and colorful stems provide winter interest and serve as a food source for birds. Removing old growth helps maintain the plant's tidy, upright appearance.

Standing Ovation is highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers low to moderate watering. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. After that, it requires minimal watering and performs best in dry, well-drained soils. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Thrives in full sun. For the best foliage color and strongest growth, plant Standing Ovation in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some light shade, but full sun encourages the most vibrant fall color and maintains the plant's strong, upright habit.

The fluffy seed heads of Standing Ovation can be harvested for use in fresh or dried floral arrangements. Harvest the flowers when they are fully mature and dry them for long-lasting indoor displays. The colorful fall foliage can also be used to add texture and vibrancy to dried arrangements.

Fertilize sparingly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost. Standing Ovation thrives in poor soils and requires little fertilization. Over-fertilizing can result in overly lush growth, reducing the plant’s characteristic upright form. A single light feeding in spring is sufficient.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. Mulching also helps protect the shallow root system from temperature extremes.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Standing Ovation is highly resistant to pests and diseases. Its tough, resilient nature makes it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Ensure good air circulation and well-drained soil to prevent any potential fungal issues.
• Winter Care: This grass dies back in winter but retains its form with dried flower heads and colorful stems. In late winter or early spring, prune away the dead foliage to encourage fresh growth.

Pollination is wind-driven and self-sufficient—Standing Ovation is wind-pollinated and does not require insect activity to set seed.

Echinacea (coneflowers), Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan), Coreopsis, Asclepias (milkweed), Allium, Sedum, and Panicum. These plants complement its upright form and autumn color palette while thriving in similar full-sun, low-water conditions.