Andropogon gerardii
Big Bluestem
Get Current Availability
Download our availability and order form for pricing, what's in stock, and future availability. Wholesale only.
Excel Download PDF Download1 (800) 203-8590 or Contact Us
Big Bluestem, a native grass of the Midwestern prairie, has been rediscovered as a useful and beautiful landscape plant. Drought tolerant and easy to maintain, it is a natural choice for prairie, meadow and naturalistic plantings. But, Andropogon gerardii is also great as a background or accent in mixed plantings. Big Bluestem is especially interesting when in bloom - its curiously shaped seed heads resemble upside-down turkey feet. Its foliage draws attention as it changes from green to blue-green and silvery blue in the summer, to red, orange and purple in the fall. Big Bluestem provides shelter and food for songbirds. It grows well in dry-moist, sandy, clay or shallow soils with low fertility. Big Bluestem prefers full sun.
Zone
3-8
Growth Cycle
Warm
Features
- Native to North America
- Notable Fall Color
- Drought Tolerant
- Erosion control
- Meadow/Prairie Plantings
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: medium-fast
- Grow in 1, 2 or 3 gallon containers; can be grown in larger sizes, if needed
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep evenly moist; avoid overwatering
- Fertilizing: use a slow release, slow- to medium-rate fertilizer; avoid over fertilizing, which can cause weak growth, flopping, and reduced resistance to pests
- Possible pests: aphids, leaf spot, spidermites, rust
- Overwintering: cold frame with clear poly, keep dry; can overwinter outdoors but water levels must be monitored
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- Excellent plant for meadows and native gardens
- Extremely drought tolerant
- Beautiful fall color; provides winter interest
- Useful for areas with infertile, inhospitable soil
- Hardy to Zone 3
- Provides benefits for birds, butterflies, and native bees
- Requires very little maintenance in the landscape (cut back in spring before new growth appears)
