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Big Bluestem/ Red October

  • Amazing fall color and deep green summer foliage make it a good contrast to other grasses
  • Adaptable and drought tolerant once established
  • Can self-seed in ideal growing conditions
  • Cut back in late winter before new shoots grow
Scientific Name:
Andropogon gerardii 'Red October'
Zone: 3
Mature Height: 5'-6'
Mature Spread: 2'-3'
Size: Average
Bloom Time: Fall
Fruiting: None
Flower Color:
Purple
Fall Color:
Red
Attributes:
Full Sun
Full Sun
Low Water
Low Water
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant
Additional Information:

Unique Features: Blackhawks is a cultivar of Big Bluestem (aka ‘Turkey Foot’) grass which is native to Midwestern North American tall grass prairies.  It is warm season grass which starts growing when soil temperatures are above 50 degrees F for a couple of weeks, mid-May to late May, so it should be cut back to 4’’ to 6’’ tall in early May.  The leaves which emerge in late spring a narrower than those of  the of the species.   They start out a deep green with red highlights and as fall approaches the red coloration spreads and darkens toward burgundy. After the first frost all the leaves, stems and three pronged seed heads turn to shades of red ranging from candy apple red to scarlet.  The stalks and seed heads can add height and color fall everlasting (dried) bouquets but be sure to leave some for the seed heads for the birds.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

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Big Bluestem/ Red October

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Scientific Name: Andropogon gerardii 'Red October'
  • Amazing fall color and deep green summer foliage make it a good contrast to other grasses
  • Adaptable and drought tolerant once established
  • Can self-seed in ideal growing conditions
  • Cut back in late winter before new shoots grow
Zone: 3
Mature Height: 5'-6'
Mature Spread: 2'-3'
Bloom: Fall
Fruiting: None
Flower Color:
Purple
Fall Color:
Red
Attributes:
Full Sun
Full Sun
Low Water
Low Water
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant