With Schizachyrium scoparium 'Cinnamon Sticks', you get a tidy, upright clump of little bluestem that brings strong structure from summer through winter.
In summer, the slender blue-green stems and fine foliage create a clean vertical accent. As nights cool, the plant colors early, shifting to rich cinnamon-red tones that hold well into fall, with subtle flower and seed heads for extra texture.
Plant it in full sun for the strongest color and the most upright habit, though it will tolerate part shade. Once established it handles heat and dry spells well, especially in well-drained soils. Avoid overly rich soil and heavy fertilizing, which can reduce color and cause flopping.
Use this native grass in borders, meadow-style plantings, and mixed perennial beds where you want movement and seasonal change. The seed heads and cover provide value for songbirds and other wildlife, and it pairs easily with coneflowers, sedums, and other sun-loving perennials.