- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 5 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 - 5 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass is a low-maintenance ornamental grass that introduces color, texture, and height to a landscape. The thin foliage of the Andropogon gerardii creates a fountain-like effect as the blades of grass gently arch. Flowers grow above the grass in late summer. Bright green leaves have red accents for an unexpected pop of color during the summer. By fall, the foliage turns a deep, dark shade of purple that almost looks black, for yet another unexpected burst of color.
This grass is a clump-forming plant that can create a unique border, provide color and height, or have a practical application and be used for erosion control. The grass will give an area a prairie-like feel and create a space for small animals to nest and hide. Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass grows as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8.
Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass Care
Plant in partial to full sun, although this grass will grow very quickly in increased light levels. The soil should be average and allow for good drainage. Water when the conditions are dry as this drought-tolerant plant is not very thirsty. Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass does not like rich soil and does not need to be fertilized. Too much organic content will encourage too rapid growth, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth and structure.
Leave the grass all winter as the tall blades provide shelter for animals, and the plant will continue to provide color to the landscape. Cut back all of the growth to 3 inches in the spring.
Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass Spacing
This ornamental grass will grow 4 to 5 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Space plants 20 to 26 inches apart for a full meadow-like look.
Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 4 - 5 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 18 - 24 Inches |
| Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Purple |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color(s): Purple |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Birds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: Plants That Work |
| Common Name: Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: ANDROPOGON GERARDII `BLACKHAWKS` |
- SKU:
- 1231009302-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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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