Product Details
An improved variety of Big Bluestem native to American prairies, Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ delights gardeners with a season-long color show. Leaves emerge dark green in spring, turn purple as nights begin to cool in late summer, and mature to nearly black by fall. Purplish-red flower stems also add late-season interest. This upright Grass provides nesting materials for birds and other mammals yet does not attract deer. It is also tough, tolerating drought, dry sites, and the soil beneath Black Walnut trees. Use to create a screen in your yard or to add a natural look to gardens and foundation plantings. PP 27,949
The genus Andropogon consists of about 100 species of grasses native to temperate and tropical grasslands of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The approximately 13 North American species are commonly referred to as Broomsedge or Bluestem. They are primarily perennial, clump-forming warm-season Grasses that actively grow from June into early September, remaining green through hot weather then going dormant in fall, often standing upright through winter. The wind-pollinated inflorescences (clusters of tiny individual flowers) and fluffy seedheads are especially beautiful in late summer and fall, and generally not considered invasive. They prefer full sun and well-drained soils. These deeply-rooted Grasses are resilient, drought tolerant, and adaptable to various soil types, including acidic and poor, sandy, or rocky soils. Once established, they tend to be long-lived plants in the landscape. Their adaptability, deer-resistance, ecological importance and visual appeal make Andropogon Grasses valuable for diverse purposes, including erosion control, prairie restoration plantings, habitat creation, sustainable landscaping, xeriscapes, meadows, screening, and ornamental gardens.
For more information on Andropogon, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Growing guide
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 systems making it capable of enduring poor and dry soil and also ideal for erosion control.
Growing Andropogon
Plant the crown just at soil level, or slightly above if you will be adding mulch. Spacing is indicated on the back of the plant tag. Shade, excess fertility or moisture will cause plants to flop.Light: Sun
Watering: Low water needs, prefers dry soils and tolerates periods of drought well. Water deeply when planting and supplement as needed to establish.
Fertilizer: Do not fertilize. Grows well in poor soil and 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 it 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 them 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 seedheads radiantly aglow in the low winter sun.
