Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' |
USDA Zone: 3-9 |
Blackhawks Bluestem is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The plum purple seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from late summer to early fall. Its attractive grassy leaves are green in colour with showy purple variegation. As an added bonus, the foliage turns gorgeous shades of burgundy, deep purple and black in the fall. The red stems can be quite attractive.
This selection of native prairie grass has an impressive stature and beautiful seasonal foliage that develops dark purple highlights by mid summer, then turns near black in fall; plant in full sun for best color; an excellent screen or border plant.
Blackhawks Bluestem is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Vertical Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
Common Name: Big Bluestem, Turkey Foot, Ornamental Grass
Key Feature
|
Light Needs | Landscape Uses |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
|
More About Blackhawks Blue Stem Ornamental Grass |
Height: 5 ft |
Spread: 2 ft |
Flower Colour: Burgundy / Red Shades |
Bluestem adapts easily to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions as long as full sun is provided. This long-lived grass has a variety of uses including screening, naturalizing, restoring prairies, and nesting materials for birds and mammals. Andropogon is not a fussy grower. It will tolerate just about any soil or moisture level as long as full sun is provided. Lean to average soils are best, as too much fertility will cause the plants to be more open and weak in habit. It is very low maintenance and long lived once established. Warm Season Grasses: These grasses are much slower starting in the spring. They do not push new growth until temperatures warm in early to midsummer. They flower later in the summer or fall with most blooms remaining into the winter. Most warm season grasses tolerate heat, humidity and drought; some even thrive in these conditions. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. NOTE: Some flowers and plants may be harmful or poisonous to people or pets if touched or ingested. If you require more information before placing an order, please let us know in advance. |