Groundcover & Vines – Tall – Little Bluestem ‘Shining Star’

Little Bluestem ‘Shining Star’

Botanical name: schizachyrium scoparium ‘shining star’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 1-4 ft in height with a spread of 1-2 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 3-9 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-3 growing seasons

Foliage color: green, yellow, red, orange, brown 

Flower color: white

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: cut back to 1 ft above the soil line in the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge 

Propagation methods: propagate by division during the spring season 

Landscape use: mass planting, background foliage, container plant 

Special features: deer resistant, heat tolerant, pet-friendly

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day

Watering instructions: allow the top 1-3 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize with compost 

Best time to plant: spring, summer 

Best type of soil: sand, loam 

Companion plants: switchgrass, aster, coneflower, butterfly weed 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no