Big Bluestem Grass

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-6 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 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.