{"product_id":"shining-star-bluestem","title":"Shining Star Bluestem","description":"\u003cp\u003eShining Star Bluestem brings architectural blue-silver verticals to St. Paul, Stillwater, and Woodbury gardens — an upright cultivar of the Minnesota native that stays tight all season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Shining Star Bluestem\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:600px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;width:40%;\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSchizachyrium scoparium 'Shining Star'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eMature Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3-4ft tall × 18-24in wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eBloom \/ Foliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eSilver-white seed plumes; burgundy fall color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFull sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eLow. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is plenty.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eHardiness Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -40°F for most native grass cultivars.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eRarely browsed — ornamental grasses are one of the most deer-proof plant categories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eDeciduous — grass blades emerge in spring, mature through summer, hold form (often with golden fall color) into winter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFast — reaches full size in one or two seasons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love Shining Star Bluestem\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrnamental grasses hold their golden form through Minnesota's five-month winter — one of the few things that look great against snow. Pair with red-twig dogwood for maximum winter impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollinator + bird habitat\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrass seed heads feed birds through fall and winter. Native bunchgrass clumps are critical nesting habitat for ground-dwelling pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLow-water plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce established, ornamental grasses thrive on natural rainfall — no supplemental watering needed. Perfect for boulevard strips, dry slopes, and parking-area plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSilvery columnar little bluestem with steely-blue stems\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStays upright through wind and rain — no flopping. That's why Shining Star Bluestem has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a grass we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Shining Star Bluestem in the Twin Cities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest planting window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade. Choose a location with the mature size of 3-4ft tall × 18-24in wide in mind — give Shining Star Bluestem room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLoosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSet Shining Star Bluestem so the top of the root ball is 1-2\" above grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWater deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMulch 2-3\" deep, keeping mulch 2\" away from the stem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst year (establishment):\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Shining Star Bluestem needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6\" deep — water when the top 2-3\" feels dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished (year 2+):\u003c\/strong\u003e Low. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is plenty. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Shining Star Bluestem through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3\" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut back to 4–6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Do NOT cut back in fall — the foliage provides winter interest and wildlife habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Shining Star Bluestem hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Shining Star Bluestem is rated for zones 3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. Stays upright through wind and rain — no flopping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Shining Star Bluestem grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFast — reaches full size in one or two seasons. Expect mature size (3-4ft tall × 18-24in wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat Shining Star Bluestem?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRarely browsed — ornamental grasses are one of the most deer-proof plant categories. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I plant Shining Star Bluestem in part shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFull sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size gallon should I buy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWe typically offer Shining Star Bluestem in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere We Deliver\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Shining Star Bluestem across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Shining Star Bluestem grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Shining Star Bluestem Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis upright little bluestem stays tight at 18–24 in wide, so space plants about 20 in apart:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBed run\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants needed (20 in apart)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in groups of 3–5, or mass it for a shimmering blue-silver sweep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eShining Star Bluestem Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tight blue-silver clumps emerge upright.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel-blue stems stay vertical through wind and rain — no flopping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage turns warm burgundy-orange and silver-white seed plumes shimmer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coppery blades and plumes hold their form against snow and feed birds; cut back in late winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/shenandoah-switch-grass\"\u003eShenandoah Switch Grass\u003c\/a\u003e — a taller native grass that layers behind for a prairie look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/prairie-dropseed\"\u003ePrairie Dropseed\u003c\/a\u003e — a fine native grass for the front edge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/magnus-coneflower\"\u003eMagnus Coneflower\u003c\/a\u003e — a native-prairie pollinator partner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/autumn-fire-sedum\"\u003eAutumn Fire Sedum\u003c\/a\u003e — late-season color and winter seed heads beside the blue blades\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs Shining Star Bluestem Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt wants full sun and lean, well-drained soil, where it stays tight and upright — a native, drought- and deer-proof anchor for prairie and boulevard plantings. Not a fit if the soil is rich and moist or shady; it loosens, flops, and loses its color.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#1 Gallon","offer_id":54169960644913,"sku":"G0699.3","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Shinning_star_bluestem_1_2e44929a-a94a-451a-a6e9-96cdaad75397.jpg?v=1778451930","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/shining-star-bluestem","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}