Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' PP27949

Common Name: Big Bluestem, Ornamental Grass

Big Bluestem are perfect for providing height and color to the garden, coming into prime a little earlier than other ornamental grasses. The foliage of 'Blackhawks' emerges deep green to dark purple in spring and deepens to near black by fall here in Michigan. This grass matures a little more than a foot shorter than 'Indian Warrior'. One of the very best Big Bluestem from hybridizer Brent Horvath.

Dubbed the "monarch of the prairie", this native grass was once the dominant component of the American tallgrass prairie. It 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.

Available Sizes (Wholesale):

Product Profile

30ct Plug Tray

Height:

5.0 Feet

Spread:

2.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Foliage Color:

Purple shades Near-black shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Asian Cottage Eclectic Formal Modern

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Native to North America

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.

Andropogon

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30ct

Container:

Premium 1 Gallon Pot

When to Plant:

Summer to late summer or spring

Finish:

6-8 weeks summer
8-10 weeks spring

Growing Temperature:

68-75° F

Holding Temperature:

50-60° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Feed moderately with 100-150 ppm N at each watering.

For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.

Vernalization:

Provide 10-12 weeks of temperatures below 45° F.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, mites, and caterpillars are the most common pests. Wet conditions can cause crown and root rot.

Potting & Timing:

It is best to plant warm season grasses in the summer as they perform much better in warm temperatures than under cooler temperatures. Large plugs can be planted in the spring but require warm greenhouse temperatures and longer bulking times.

Moisture:

Moderate moisture

Planting Level:

Top of plug slightly below soil line.

Lighting:

Long days are required to force into flower. High light levels are recommended.

Awards

Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2018

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