Healthy Red October Big Bluestem Grass
This product does not ship to: AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA

Red October Big Bluestem Grass

$36.49
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Spring 2024 Pre-Order - Learn More
$36.49
This product does not ship to: AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA
  • Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
  • Mature Height 4 - 6 Feet
  • Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
  • Growing Zones 3 - 9

With its spectacular foliage, Red October Big Bluestem Grass will never fail to delight. Andropogon gerardii 'Red October', as it is botanically named, is a tough perennial grass that will add color and movement wherever it is grown. New growth emerges in spring and turns deep green in summer before taking on a red and purple hue over the winter and fall. If that wasn’t enough, it also develops small red blooms in late summer. 

Attracting a wide range of songbirds and other insects, this ornamental grass is a wildlife magnet. Developing a clump-forming habit up to 6 feet high, Red October Big Bluestem Grass is ideal for growing in drifts, naturalizing, or even growing in a large container. As a drought-tolerant perennial, it is easy to care for and even ignored by hungry deer. This grass is a native plant that once dominated the American Prairies.

Red October Big Bluestem Grass Care

To bring out its vivid color, the Red October Big Bluestem Grass should be grown in full sun and in free-draining soil. Even though it is considered drought tolerant, frequent watering is necessary to help it become established. Being able to cope with poor soils means that any extra fertilizing is rarely necessary. Any wet sites or those that are prone to waterlogging are best avoided as this may cause its stems to flop.

The Red October Big Bluestem Grass requires little ongoing care. However, come spring, the previous year’s foliage can be cut back and removed to make way for the new season’s growth. If grown in a large planter, some watering will be required during the summer months to prevent it from completely drying out.

Red October Big Bluestem Grass Spacing

Over time, the Red October Big Bluestem Grass can reach 4-6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It is commonly planted in drifts for the greatest effect, spacing plants 20 - 30 inches apart.

Red October Big Bluestem Grass Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9
Plant Type: Ornamental Grass
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 4 - 6 Feet
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet
Spacing: 20 - 30 Inches
Habit: Clumping, Upright
Flower Color(s): Red
Flower Description: Burgundy
Bloom Period: August
Foliage Type: Deciduous, Variegated
Foliage Color(s): Green, Red
Foliage Description:
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Fall Flowering
Watering: Low
Resists: Deer, Rabbit
Tolerates: Drought
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
Container Role:
Uses: Borders, Containers, Edging, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting
Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America
Brand:
Common Name: Red October Big Bluestem Grass
Other Name(s):
Scientific Name: Andropogon gerardii 'Red October'
SKU:
1231010777-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

4.5" Pot
 Also Know 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

Quart Pot
 Also Know 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

2.5 Quart
 Also Know As:
   2.5 Quart Pot

 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 8"-12"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
 Volume:
   2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot

#1 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #1 Container
    1 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 10"-14"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 7"H x 7.75"W
 Volume:
   2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot

#2 Pot
 Also Know 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

#3 Pot
 Also Know 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 Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)

Plant Addicts guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy and healthy, but the plant(s) are being shipped through the mail and 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 information on how to care for you new plant please check out our guide. 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 new or an expert. There are many variables outside our control and yours that can cause the demise of your plant(s). Examples would be hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, disease, insects & many other factors. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all the unknowns and will replace your plant if it moves on to the plant afterlife.

The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant purchase. We will cover 100% of the price of the plant but the warranty does not cover shipping cost. Simply let us know if your plant has died within one year of receiving it and we’ll get you a new one shipped out. We may ask for photos for documentation purposes but again we’ll try to make it as easy as possible.

For more information, please go to our Shipping & Returns page at the bottom of the website.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

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.