- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 5 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 - 5 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Andropogon gerardii 'Rain Dance' is a native Big Bluestem prairie grass with striking fall color. In the summer, Rain Dance develops blazing red tips on tall deep green blades. All the leaves turn maroon as the weather cools in the fall. This grass also develops branched, burgundy-colored flower spikes on red stems in late summer. The seeds are coveted by songbirds in the fall and winter.
Rain Dance is a warm-season grass that does most of its growing during the warmer weather of the summer and goes dormant in late fall to winter. It forms an upright, arching clump that reaches 4 – 5 feet high and 2 – 3 feet wide. It exhibits excellent drought tolerance, cold hardiness (zone 3), and deer resistance. It is also a good choice for erosion control plantings. Plant it in drifts to create waves of color and movement, or use it in a prairie garden or perennial bed to contrast larger textured plants.
Rain Dance Big Bluestem Grass Care
Rain Dance requires full sunlight with at least 6 hours of direct sun a day. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions provided the soil drains well. Water it weekly during hot, dry summer months to establish the roots. Once established, it will require minimal supplemental watering and is useful in xeriscaping. It does not require any fertilizer applications or other nutrient supplements.
Cut the entire grass to the ground in late winter before new shoots emerge in spring. No winter protection is required.
Rain Dance Big Bluestem Grass Spacing
When planting Rain Dance in Groups, space each plant approximately 2 feet apart on center. Plants can be planted slightly closer together to create a tight screen. For container planting, this grass will need a pot at least 2 feet in diameter with excellent drainage.
Rain Dance 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 - 5 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Red |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Red |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
Attracts: Bees, Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Rain Dance Big Bluestem Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: ANDROPOGON GERARDII `RAIN DANCE` |
- SKU:
- 1010776-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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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.