- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 15 - 18 Inches
- Mature Spread 12 - 24 Inches
- Growing Zones 4 - 9
For some striking and rather unusual texture, have a look at Shining Star Little Bluestem ornamental grass. It develops a flowing mound of green foliage with white margins, that takes on a red hue as fall approaches. Botanically called Schizachyrium scoparium 'Shining Star', this grass is loved by the birds when it develops tall flower stems in the summer. It grows to around 18 inches tall.
Being drought and salt tolerant makes Shining Star Little Bluestem ideal for coastal and dry locations. It is even deer resistant, which makes it perfect for exposed countryside landscapes. This grass is especially impressive when grown en masse or in a row. It is also suitable for rock gardens or growing in a pot or container. Little Bluestem grass is a native of North America and suited to growing in zones 4 to 9.
Shining Star Little Bluestem Care
For the Shining Star Little Bluestem to thrive, you will want to place it somewhere it will receive full sun. It requires good drainage and grows well in average to sandy soil. Even though drought-tolerant once established, you will need to water it well upon planting and for the first growing season at least. This grass prefers lean soil and no extra fertilization is required.
The Shining Star Little Bluestem requires little maintenance. All you need to do is cut the foliage back to around 3 inches high in late winter to make space for the new growth to appear.
Shining Star Little Bluestem Spacing
The Shining Star Little Bluestem forms a mound 15 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. If growing en masse, a spacing of around two feet apart will allow enough room for this perennial to mature.
Shining Star Little Bluestem Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 15 - 18 Inches |
Mature Spread: 12 - 24 Inches |
Spacing: 2 Feet |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: Insconpicuous |
Bloom Period: Summer |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, White |
Foliage Description: Blue to red in the fall |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought, Salt |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Containers, Mass Planting |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest |
Brand: |
Common Name: Shining Star Little Bluestem |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Schizachyrium scoparium 'Shining Star' |
- SKU:
- 1231015106-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.