Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks'

The 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year® from the Perennial Plant Association, Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ delights gardeners with a season-long color show. Leaves of this improved variety of Big Bluestem native to American prairies, 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 seed heads 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 in the landscape. Their adaptability, deer-resistance, ecological importance, and visual appeal make Andropogon plants 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.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

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

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.

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Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].