- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 6 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 - 6 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
When planning a landscape, it’s easy to overlook ornamental grasses like Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon gerardii). But home gardeners should look again. This ornamental grass from American Beauties Native Plants grows quickly and fills the garden with interest all year round. In summer, the bluish-green blades rise to nearly 6 feet high, so this grass can act as a screen or border, or just look cool in front of a wall or fence.
Of course, since it has strong roots, it’s also an excellent plant for controlling erosion, especially on rocky slopes. Plant en masse for the full effect in fall and winter, when the seed heads dry to a reddish shade. Cut some for indoor dried arrangements. The easy-care grass is drought tolerant, attracts birds and butterflies and turns deer off. It’s about as good as it gets.
Big Bluestem Grass Care
Plant Big Bluestem grass in full sun for optimal growth and color. Don’t worry too much about soil or watering. It can handle poor and dry soil, as long as water drains and does not pool. Despite that, it will grow fast, so be sure to consider its mature, upright height when selecting a spot. Once established, your grass gets by with little water.
When the pretty seed heads appear in fall, leave them for birds and winter color. In late winter, mow or shear the clump of stems to nearly ground level. Avoid cutting it while in its summer growth phase. There is no need to fertilize the grass.
Big Bluestem Grass Spacing
For mass plantings and borders, space your Big Bluestem grass about 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on the effect you want. Each clump needs some room for its seed heads to sway in the breeze.
Big Bluestem Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 6 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Orange, Red |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Big Bluestem Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: ANDROPOGON GERARDII |
- SKU:
- 1231013191-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.