Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ PP27949
Blackhawks Big Bluestem
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The native good looks and adaptability of Big Bluestem get an intense infusion of color with ‘Blackhawks’. Dark green foliage emerges early in the season. By mid- to late summer, leaf tips and nodes turn purple, and burgundy red inflorescences emerge. As nights cool, the entire plant intensifies to a dark, rich purple that’s almost black.
Blackhawks Big Bluestem is shorter and more upright than the species. Weave it through perennial plantings for brilliant contrasts and striking combinations. Double down on color in a meadow or prairie planting. Give it star status in a combo for a fresh take on mixed containers. Will tolerate a range of soil conditions but does best in well-drained soils in full sun. We expect it to offer similar benefits for birds, butterflies, and native bees as the species. Another Big Bluestem bonus? It’s not attractive to deer.
Introduced by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, IL, ‘Blackhawks’ is a seedling of A. gerardii ‘Red October’. It carries Handpicked for You® certification, which promises better reliability and performance in the landscape.
Unauthorized propagation prohibited
Zone
3-9
Growth Cycle
Warm
Features
- Native to North America
- Notable Fall Color
- Drought Tolerant
- Erosion control
- Meadow/Prairie Plantings
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: medium
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep evenly moist; avoid overwatering
- Possible pests: aphids, leaf spot, spider mites, rust
- Can be cut back, but do so before midsummer to avoid interfering with flowering.
- Grow in 1, 2, or 3-gallon containers; leave space between pots to prevent weak growth
- Overwintering: cold frame with clear poly; keep dry; can overwinter outdoors but water levels must be monitored
- Fertilizing: use a slow release, slow- to medium-rate fertilizer; avoid over fertilizing, which can cause weak growth, flopping, and reduced resistance to pests
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- Outstanding color
- Tolerates drought and infertile, inhospitable soils
- Native grass that’s shorter and more upright habit than the species
- With fertile or wet soils, can produce lush growth that flops easily
- Very cold tolerant (Hardy to Zone 3)
- Adds refinement and color to ecological plantings
- Red-burgundy, turkey-foot-shaped seed heads
