Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 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.

SKU:

1231009302-pc