Chameleon Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon'

Nature Hills Nursery

Triple-Season Color Show: Green-Cream Stripes to Purple-Pink Tips to Autumn Blush
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies

$32⁶⁹ $43⁵⁸

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	3a to 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Pink
Foliage Color	Blue green, Green, Red
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon'
Species	scoparium
Cultivar	Chameleon
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR, NV, OR, WA

Chameleon Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon') is a color-changing little wonder! Chameleon's narrow leaves emerge striped green and cream, and form elegant, upright fountains that are compact and space-saving clumps! As summer progresses, the graceful tips become light purple and pinkish in color for a triple treat on this graceful Ornamental Grass!

This warm-season grass may take its sweet time getting going in the spring, but watch out once the weather warms up! Spikey blooms add vertical lines that snow won't flatten and the autumn foliage, which becomes flushed with pink as the temperatures drop, carries long-lasting winter interest!

Chameleon Little Bluestem is deer resistant and attracts birds that like to shelter in grasses and feast on the seeds! Chameleon is a must-have for any sun garden! The columnar growth reaches 3-4 feet in height when in bloom, but only takes up 15-24 inches of space! Wildly adaptable throughout USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, there's little this plant won't be able to handle in your garden!

Planting and Application:

Ornamental Grass adds texture, motion, sound, and color to the garden, and you'll enjoy all that and more, plus Chameleon's hardy, compact, and symmetrical form! Great for all-sized gardens, and boasting both a formal and an informal appearance! Highlight in groups of three or solo specimen plantings that suit this sunny ornamental! Cottage and Rock gardens, beds, borders, and even containers on hot patios are perfect!

Pretty erosion control, Chameleon's color makes any mass planting and tough site gleam! Rock Gardens and that 'hell strip' along a road or sidewalk are perfect locations for these little plants that more than make up for their size with sheer color! Plant along walkways and paths, either in military straight rows or winding soft allées.

Compact Tri-Color Ornamental Grass!
Cream & Green Stripes With Pink & Light Purple
Upright Arching Vase-Shape - Won't Fall Flat!
Pink Fall Color & Long-Lasting
Space-Saving, Formal & Informal Garden Designs!

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This Little Bluestem s a vigorous, long-lived native cultivar. Because of the ease of care, drought tolerance, winter beauty, and the way it adjusts to various soils and climates, the combination makes it a very hardy plant indeed! Little Bluestem does best in well-drained soil with full sun. You don't have to pamper this pretty grass because it does well in almost any well-drained soil. These drought-tolerant grasses thrive on average to low moisture needs once they are established. For neat clumps in spring, cut back heavily to a few inches each late winter, and divide the clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor.

Full Sun and Heat & Cold Tolerant!
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Any Well-Drained Soil
Warm-Season Grass Variety
Easy Care & Low Maintenance

Striking foliage, compact size, and color-changing beauty, Chameleon Little Bluestem is a tough native cultivar that adds high style! Order yours at Nature Hills!

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for a spot that receives six to eight hours of direct sun daily; this is crucial for keeping the grass upright and maintaining the vibrant white, green, and eventual pink/purple variegation. While it tolerates partial shade, expect the stems to become weak, leading to floppy growth, and the colorful variegation to be less intense.
Soil: This plant prefers poor, well-drained soil, thriving in sandy, rocky, or loamy conditions. Avoid amending the soil heavily with organic matter, as rich soil holds too much moisture and encourages "lodging," where the plant flops over. If you have heavy clay, ensure the site has good drainage, perhaps by planting on a slight mound.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, water deeply once a week in the absence of rain to encourage the development of a deep, drought-proof root system. Once established (typically after the first year), your Chameleon Little Bluestem is highly drought-tolerant and needs water only during prolonged dry spells. Inconsistent watering or overwatering will stress the plant, causing the stems to weaken and the beautiful clumping habit to lose its structural integrity.

Pruning Tips

Little Bluestem is a perennial that blooms on new wood, meaning its top growth from the previous year is dormant and should be removed. The best time for this "haircut" is in late winter or very early spring, before new green shoots emerge from the base. Cut the old, standing foliage back to approximately three to four inches above the soil line to make way for the tidy, vigorous new growth and prevent it from looking ragged.

Fertilizer Needs

This prairie native thrives in lean conditions and rarely requires supplemental feeding; think of it as a plant that performs better when kept hungry. If you feel the need to give it a boost, apply a light, balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer early in the spring as new growth begins. The key "what to avoid" is high-nitrogen fertilizer, especially applied late in the season, as excess nitrogen promotes overly rapid, soft growth that causes the grass to flop or lodge, ruining its naturally tidy form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the light requirements for Chameleon Little Bluestem—full sun only?

Chameleon Little Bluestem thrives in full sun conditions and is described as a "must-have for any sun garden." This warm-season grass performs best with maximum sunlight exposure to develop its signature color changes. Plant in the sunniest spot available for optimal growth and vibrant foliage display.

How do I prune or cut back Chameleon Little Bluestem for maintenance?

Cut back Chameleon Little Bluestem to 4-6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This warm-season grass provides winter interest, so leave the attractive pink-flushed foliage standing through winter. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance ornamental that thrives in zones 3-9.

When is the best time to plant Chameleon Little Bluestem, and how should I prepare the site?

Plant in spring after soil warms up, as this warm-season grass is slow to emerge in cool weather. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil in zones 3-9. Space plants 15-24 inches apart to accommodate their mature spread.

Will Chameleon Little Bluestem survive harsh winters in zone 3 or 4, and does it need winter protection in pots?

Chameleon Little Bluestem is winter hardy in zones 3-9 without protection when planted in the ground. However, potted plants need winter protection since roots are more exposed to freezing temperatures. Move containers to an unheated garage or wrap pots with insulation during coldest months.

Does Chameleon Little Bluestem spread aggressively or need dividing?

Chameleon Little Bluestem forms compact, non-spreading clumps that stay 15-24 inches wide. This well-behaved ornamental grass doesn't require regular division and won't overtake your garden. Divide only if you want to propagate new plants after 4-5 years. Shop at Nature Hills for this tidy, colorful grass.

What are the fall colors like on Chameleon Little Bluestem, and does it attract birds or wildlife?

Chameleon Little Bluestem develops beautiful pink-flushed autumn foliage that provides lasting winter interest. The grass attracts birds that shelter in its upright structure and feed on the seeds. Plant in groups of three for maximum wildlife appeal and seasonal color impact.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Chameleon Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon'

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the light requirements for Chameleon Little Bluestem—full sun only?

How do I prune or cut back Chameleon Little Bluestem for maintenance?

When is the best time to plant Chameleon Little Bluestem, and how should I prepare the site?

Will Chameleon Little Bluestem survive harsh winters in zone 3 or 4, and does it need winter protection in pots?

Does Chameleon Little Bluestem spread aggressively or need dividing?

What are the fall colors like on Chameleon Little Bluestem, and does it attract birds or wildlife?

Choose options

Chameleon Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon'

Specifications

Description

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the light requirements for Chameleon Little Bluestem—full sun only?

How do I prune or cut back Chameleon Little Bluestem for maintenance?

When is the best time to plant Chameleon Little Bluestem, and how should I prepare the site?

Will Chameleon Little Bluestem survive harsh winters in zone 3 or 4, and does it need winter protection in pots?

Does Chameleon Little Bluestem spread aggressively or need dividing?

What are the fall colors like on Chameleon Little Bluestem, and does it attract birds or wildlife?