Shining Star Little Bluestem

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 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.