Andropogon Grass - Big Bluestem, Black Hawks

DESCRIPTION: 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

BOTANICAL NAME: Andropogon gerardii 'Black Hawks'
AVERAGE MATURE HEIGHT: 200 cm
AVERAGE MATURE SPREAD: 60 cm
SUN EXPOSURE: Full sun
FLOWER COLOUR: Brown
FLOWERING TIME: Summer
FOLIAGE COLOUR: Green with purple highlights turning near black by fall
COLD HARDINESS: Zone 4 ( Should survive up to -34.4° Celsius )
WATER NEEDS: Average to dry - Drought tolerant
OTHER FEATURES: Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Winter Interest

Ornamental Features

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 flowers are not ornamentally significant. The red stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Blackhawks Bluestem is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cut back to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Blackhawks Bluestem is recommended for the following landscape applications:

• Vertical Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Blackhawks Bluestem will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It tends to be leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and should be underplanted with lower-growing perennials. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.