- 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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

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.