Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation'

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation': Bold Colour, Upright Character

Sturdy, vertical, and vibrantly coloured, Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation' takes the native charm of Little Bluestem to new ornamental heights. Its strong, upright form resists flopping even in rich soils or wet weather, making it ideal for modern designs and tidy borders. Blue-green blades are tinged with deep purple at the base through summer, shifting to fiery red, orange, and burgundy in fall. Silvery seed heads catch the light, dancing atop the foliage and persisting into winter. This cultivar delivers drama, durability, and native beauty—all in one upright package.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Silvery-tan with soft purple tones
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Blue-green with purple highlights, turning vivid red-orange in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, lean to average soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Standing Ovation' is a stellar performer in native gardens, pollinator plantings, and contemporary borders. Its tidy, columnar shape adds strong vertical interest, while its brilliant fall foliage delivers seasonal drama. Extremely low maintenance, deer resistant, and ecologically valuable, it also supports native insects and provides shelter in winter landscapes.

Companion Plants: Pair Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation' with Echinacea 'Prairie Splendor Compact White' for crisp, bright blooms that contrast beautifully with the grass’s fiery fall tones. Add Coreopsis 'American Dream' to echo the airy texture and inject soft pink colour. Complete the look with Solidago 'Fireworks', whose golden sprays light up the planting and mirror the grass’s upright energy.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overly rich conditions to preserve the upright habit. Water to establish; once established, it is highly drought tolerant. Leave seed heads standing through winter for visual interest and wildlife habitat. Cut back in early spring. Divide every 4–5 years if needed.

History: Bred by North Creek Nurseries, 'Standing Ovation' was selected for its improved upright habit and vibrant fall colouring. It is a cultivar of Schizachyrium scoparium, a foundational grass of North American prairies prized for resilience and ornamental value.

Final Thoughts: With fiery fall colour and architectural strength, Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation' commands attention—bringing vertical elegance and native heart to the garden year-round.