- 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.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Arrival Guarantee
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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.