Rain Dance Big Bluestem Grass

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 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.