Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
48 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' is a tall, clump-forming perennial grass. Its foliage emerges deep green in spring, transitioning to dark purple in summer, and finally to near-black in the fall. This cultivar is prized for its dramatic, dark foliage that provides strong vertical interest and season-long color, culminating in a striking fall display. The turkey-foot shaped seed heads are also ornamental.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Tuck seeds into the soil surface and press lightly.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist for 2 weeks.
- Mist cuttings or divide mature clumps in early spring.
- Allow plants to establish for 6 weeks before regular watering.
- Mulch around base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained soil for best drought tolerance and vigorous growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Prune back in late winter to promote new growth
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years for health
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t fertilize heavily; too much nitrogen reduces drought tolerance
- Do not disturb roots during peak growing season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Big Bluestem questions
What zones can Big Bluestem grow in?
Big Bluestem is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Big Bluestem deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Big Bluestem, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Big Bluestem bloom?
Big Bluestem typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Big Bluestem need full sun?
Big Bluestem does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Big Bluestem drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Big Bluestem handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Andropogon to compare
Red October Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardi 'Red October'
'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
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Big Bluestem with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
