Blackhawks Big Bluestem

Blackhawks Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’) brings striking deep purple and near-black foliage to your garden in late summer, adding dramatic color unlike many other ornamental grasses. Its upright, clumping form reaches about 4 to 5 feet tall, offering a bold vertical accent and showy seed heads that develop burgundy tones before drying. This standout native grass performs well in a wide range of soils and thrives in sunny areas, providing nesting habitat for birds and supporting local wildlife. 

This warm-season grass emerges green, deepens to purple in midsummer, and darkens to near-black by fall, creating a season-long display of shifting hues. Native to the tallgrass prairies of North America, it adapts to lean or average soils, tolerates drought once established, and stands up to challenging conditions. Because of its strong, extensive root system, it works wonders for erosion control on slopes or in naturalized plantings. Deer rarely bother it, and it needs little maintenance, making it a hassle-free addition to meadow-inspired gardens, large borders, or pollinator habitats.

Blackhawks Big Bluestem Plant Care

Plant Blackhawks Big Bluestem in full sun for the richest color and sturdiest growth. It tolerates a variety of soil types, from poor to moderately fertile, provided they are well-drained. Water the plants regularly during their first season to help them develop a deep root system, then reduce watering once they’re established. A single application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring is typically sufficient, although this grass often does fine without extra feeding in average soils. Because it’s a warm-season grass, it breaks dormancy later than many perennials, so be patient in spring — once the weather warms, it leaps into growth and quickly displays its signature foliage.

If you have especially rich soil, you may see taller growth, but the robust stems generally stay upright, even in wind and rain. Avoid planting in wet or poorly drained spots where the roots might rot. Beyond these basics, Blackhawks Big Bluestem typically keeps disease and pests at bay, so you can enjoy its dramatic color show with minimal fuss.

Little pruning is needed beyond trimming old stems close to ground level in late winter or very early spring, before new growth appears. The dried stalks add winter interest and habitat for birds, so many gardeners prefer to leave them standing until the end of the cold season. If you want to tidy the plant or reduce self-seeding, remove spent seed heads in fall. Some gardeners also lightly thin or remove bent stems in midsummer if needed, but this is rarely required.

Blackhawks Big Bluestem Spacing

When creating a screen or mass planting, leave about 24 to 30 inches between each plant to allow ample room for the clumps to expand. If using Blackhawks Big Bluestem as a standalone feature or accent, a single plant can fit well in a container of at least 14 inches in diameter and depth, allowing space for roots to develop. The container should have good drainage and be placed in a sun-filled spot to help your grass thrive.

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