Broomsedge Bluestem
Andropogon virginicus
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
36 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Andropogon virginicus is a warm-season, clump-forming perennial grass native to old fields and open woods in eastern North America. It has upright, flattened stems and develops a striking coppery-orange color in fall. This species is particularly valued for its brilliant winter interest, with fluffy, silvery-white seed tufts that catch the light beautifully against the bronze foliage. It is an important ecological plant that thrives on neglect.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site in full sun with average to poor, well-drained soil.
- Prepare the site by removing competing weeds.
- Plant container-grown plants at the same depth they were in the pot.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart for massing.
- Water regularly during the first season to establish.
- Cut back foliage in late winter to make way for new growth.
Pro Tip
Avoid rich soils and fertilizer, which cause floppy growth; this grass thrives on neglect and poor, infertile soil.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for best color and sturdy form.
- Allow it to self-seed to create a naturalistic drift.
- Cut back hard in late winter before new growth begins.
Don't
- Do not overwater once established.
- Do not fertilize or plant in overly rich soil.
- Don't plant in shade, where it will be weak and floppy.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Broomsedge Bluestem questions
What zones can Broomsedge Bluestem grow in?
Broomsedge 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 Broomsedge Bluestem deer resistant?
Yes — Broomsedge Bluestem is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Broomsedge Bluestem bloom?
Broomsedge Bluestem typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Broomsedge Bluestem need full sun?
Broomsedge Bluestem does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Broomsedge Bluestem drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Broomsedge 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
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks'
Red October Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardi 'Red October'
'Rain Dance' Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii 'Rain Dance'
Splitbeard Bluestem
Andropogon ternarius
Big Bluestem Holy Smoke
Andropogon gerardii 'Holy Smoke'
Bushy Bluestem
Andropogon glomeratus
Keep exploring
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Grow Broomsedge 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.
