- 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
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