Also known as Bluestem Grass · 291 gardener saves
Andropogon: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Andropogon, the genus most gardeners know as bluestem grass. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Andropogon varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBig Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks'
#2 most savedRed October Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardi 'Red October'
#3 most saved'Rain Dance' Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii 'Rain Dance'
Splitbeard Bluestem
Andropogon ternarius
Broomsedge Bluestem
Andropogon virginicus
Big Bluestem Holy Smoke
Andropogon gerardii 'Holy Smoke'
Bushy Bluestem
Andropogon glomeratus
How to grow Andropogon
What the Andropogon varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Andropogon year
- PruneJanuary and February71% of varieties
Cut old stems back to 4-6 inches before new growth emerges in late winter
- DivideMarch–May71% of varieties
Divide large, established clumps every 3-5 years in early spring
- PlantMarch, April, May, September and October57% of varieties
Plant container stock in spring or early fall
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead stems in late winter
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Prune dead foliage in early spring
Avoid
- Do not disturb roots during peak growing season
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization which can weaken stems
- Overwater, avoid soggy soil ❌
What goes wrong with Andropogon
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| None significant | This plant is generally pest-free. | No action is typically required. |
| Rust | Orange or reddish-brown pustules on leaf blades. | Generally cosmetic. Ensure good air circulation. Remove heavily infected foliage. Fungicides are not usually necessary. |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Remove infected foliage and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaf surfaces | Apply sulfur-based fungicide and ensure proper spacing |
| Fungal Leaf Spot | Small, dark spots on the leaves. | Typically not a serious problem. Clean up plant debris in the fall to reduce fungal spores. |
Making more Andropogon
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seed
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until germination, about 2 weeks.
- Thin seedlings for optimal growth.
Andropogon questions
How many types of Andropogon are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Andropogon varieties. The most popular — ranked by 291 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Andropogon grow in?
Across its varieties, Andropogon covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Andropogon bloom?
Most Andropogon varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Andropogon should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Andropogon shows up in
Design with Andropogon in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
