Standing Ovation Little Bluestem Grass

It’s tempting to state the obvious, and say you will give one when you see the Standing Ovation Little Bluestem Grass in your garden, but the fact is you probably will. This plant is very different from typical little bluestems, because the leaves are significantly broader than usual, and therefore stiffer and more upright, giving a different look. They are rich blue, and tipped with pink, making a very showy plant, standing about 2 feet tall. In summer 4-foot flower stems grow in abundance, carrying red brown flowers that turn into silvery, hairy seeds. When fall comes the leaves turn lovely shades of bright and deep reds, and this color is retained through winter, while other varieties turn light brown. The stiffer leaves also means it doesn’t collapse in winter, staying handsome and attractive right through the rain and snow. If you think all varieties of this grass are much the same, this one will show you different, and definitely earn that – do we need to say it?

• Extra broad leaves that are stiff and upright
• Blue leaves tipped in pink, topped with brown and silver flower stems
• Leaves turn to bright reds and dark reds in fall, and hold that through the winter
• Usually stays standing right through the rain and snow of winter
• Very tough native grass that thrives in heat, humidity, dryness and sunshine

For the best color development and strongest growth, plant the Standing Ovation Little Bluestem Grass right out in full sun – the more the better. It grows in any well-drained soil, and once established it has great drought resistance. An excellent choice for poor, sandy and gravel soils, but also grows well in clay and even takes an occasional flooding. It is usually ignored by deer, and has no pests or diseases, even when grown in heat and humidity. Sometime between the end of fall and early spring, cut it down to just a few inches tall. Remember to do this before the new leaves appear, as it’s hard to cut down without damaging new growth.