Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon' (Little Bluestem)

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon' is a beautiful compact cultivar of little bluestem, a native warm season perennial grass that grows in small clumps. Growing to only 18-24" tallin drier soils and full sun, 'Chameleon' little bluestem is noted for its highly ornamental foliage; originally found as a chance seedling of Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues,' 'Chameleon' is a variegated cultivar with excellent late summer and fall colors. With its little bluestem lineage, 'Chameleon' still makes for a highly adaptable choice in the home garden, proving tolerant to drought, flood, erosion, deer browsing, and a variety of soils including clay and saline conditions with the added benefit of a more compact footprint.

In the spring, the 'Chameleon' cultivar is already a striking variegated addition to the Schizachyrium scoparium cultivar line-up, but in late summer this bluestem's foliage begins picking up pink and purple highlights among its green and cream-colored foliage, which contrasts well against the plant's pale tan flowers, also appearing in late summer. Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon' is an excellent ornamental little bluestem selection, and is well-regarded for use in rain gardens and living roof plantings, where it tolerates both inundation and hot, dry stretches.