Protected Series:
Zone: 3BLACKHAWKS BIG BLUESTEM
Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks', commonly known as Blackhawks Big Bluestem, is a striking ornamental grass celebrated for its dramatic color transformation and vertical architectural presence. Blackhawks Big Bluestem begins the growing season with deep green and dark purple blades, but as the summer progresses into fall, the foliage intensifies into a rich, velvety near-black. Reaching heights of roughly 5 feet with a narrow, upright spread of about 2 feet, it is a more compact and sturdier alternative to the wild species. Its striking dark silhouette and unique seed heads make it an ideal focal point for prairie-style gardens, mass plantings, or as a sophisticated backdrop in mixed perennial borders.
Blackhawks Big Bluestem is remarkably straightforward in its care. It thrives on a bit of "tough love", performing best in full sun and average soil including clay, sand, and dry rocky ground. Planting it in overly fertile or wet soil can actually cause the stems to become weak and flop over. Once established, the plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
| ANDROPOGON GER BLACKHAWKS | con 2 | 127 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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To help Andropogon gerardii varieties settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in full sun in average, well-draining soil. Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) is a deep-rooted, highly adaptable native grass that performs best in open, sunny conditions where it can develop its characteristic upright habit and unique "turkey foot" seed heads. While it is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay, it requires good drainage and is quite drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to encourage deep root development. In late winter or very early spring, cut the foliage back to a few inches above the ground to promote fresh, vigorous growth for the upcoming season.
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