Growing Andropogon
Latin Name Pronunciation: an-droe-poe' gun
Andropogon is a clump-forming warm-season, North American native Grass. This Ornamental Grass is tolerant of many soil conditions, but prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Warm-season Grasses begin growth in late spring to early summer and bloom mid to late summer. Andropogon is a resilient, perennial Grass that has a deep, fibrous root system making it capable of enduring poor and dry soil, and ideal for erosion control.
Growing Andropogon
Plant the crown just at soil level, or slightly above if you will be adding mulch. Spacing between plants is indicated on the back of the plant tag. Shade and excess fertility or moisture will cause plants to flop.Light: Sun
Watering: Low water needs; prefers dry soils and tolerates periods of drought. Water deeply when planting and supplement as needed to establish.
Fertilizer: Do not fertilize. Grows well in poor soil; excess nutrients can cause plants to flop. Mulch with previous season’s growth, sterile straw, or gravel, if possible. If mulching with wood products, apply sparingly and do not let them pile up around the crown.
Soil: Medium to dry, well-drained soil. Tolerant of poor soil conditions including sandy, low-nutrient, and acidic soils; no need to amend these soils unless companion plants require fertility.
Pests/Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free, although voles may feed on crown. Excess moisture-retaining wood-product mulch can foster fungal diseases.
Dividing/Transplanting: If the center of the plant dies out as it ages or is hollowed out by voles, dig up the entire clump with a sharp sturdy spade and cut into sections for replanting. Dividing and transplanting are best done in spring when plants are actively growing, but may be done when plants are still dormant.
End-of-Season Care: We suggest that you let these warm-season Grasses remain standing over the winter, cutting them down to 4-6" in spring. You can also cut them back when they turn brown in fall if you prefer (they’re a wonderful addition to dried bouquets), or on an agreeable winter day if they look bedraggled after a few storms. If voles are a problem in your garden, trim off shorter basal foliage to deprive the voles of cover, but let taller stems with seeds remain. Left standing, dried Grasses provide habitat and food for numerous birds, beneficial insects, and animals, and will enliven your landscape with sound, texture, and the uplifting sight of fluffy seed heads radiantly aglow in the low winter sun.