Contents
Description
Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation, also known as Little Bluestem, is a native grass that adds beauty to any landscape. This warm-season grass forms a dense clump of slender blue-green leaves that turn reddish-bronze in the fall. The foliage provides a stunning contrast to other plants in the garden, making it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, and erosion control.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Schizachyrium |
Appearance
The Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation grass grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The foliage is slender and blue-green, and it forms a dense clump. The leaves are 1/4 inch wide and up to 18 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn reddish-bronze, providing a stunning contrast to other plants in the garden. The grass produces attractive seed heads that emerge in late summer and persist through the winter. The seed heads are a soft, silvery color and provide visual interest even in winter.
Care Guide
Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for taking care of this native grass:
- Water: Water the grass regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the grass is drought-tolerant and requires little watering.
- Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation. However, if growth or color is lacking, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Soil: The grass prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soil.
- Sunlight: Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The grass is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves.
- Leaf rust: This fungal disease causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves.
- Mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and stunting of the leaves.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut the stems of the grass near the soil surface, causing the grass to wilt and die.
Habitat
Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woods. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate a range of soil types and light conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation deer-resistant?
A: Yes, it is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a container, but it will need to be watered more frequently than if it were planted in the ground.
Q: How often should Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation be fertilized?
A: Fertilization is not necessary, but if growth or color is lacking, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Q: Can Schizachyrium Scoparium Standing Ovation be used for erosion control?
A: Yes, it can be used for erosion control because it has a deep root system that helps stabilize soil.
Related Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Prairie Blues’
- Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’
- Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Carousel’
References
- University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Little Bluestem. Retrieved from https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=723&PlantTypeID=5
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b863
