Andropogon 'Blackhawks'

Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks': A Striking Silhouette Against the Autumn Sky

Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks', a bold and beautiful cultivar of the native Big Bluestem, brings a dramatic flair to the late-season landscape with its deep, dark foliage and towering presence. This perennial grass is celebrated for its adaptability, resilience, and the striking contrast it provides in the garden, with leaves that transition from deep green to rich burgundy-black as the season progresses. Ideal for adding architectural height to perennial borders, creating a naturalistic backdrop, or as a standout specimen in ecological gardens, 'Blackhawks' combines the rugged charm of native prairie grasses with enhanced ornamental appeal, making it a standout selection for gardeners and landscapers alike.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Soars to an impressive height of 120-150 cm, making it a commanding presence in any garden setting.
• Spread: It spreads to a width of 60-90 cm, forming upright, clump-forming tufts that provide structure and interest.
• Foliage Colour: The foliage transitions from deep green to a stunning burgundy-black in the fall, offering a dynamic display of color throughout the seasons.
• Flowering Period: Produces subtle, three-branched flower spikes in late summer that add texture and movement, complementing its striking foliage.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun, where it can bask in the light and develop its full color potential and robust form.
• Soil Requirements: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including dry conditions, showcasing its native prairie resilience and drought tolerance once established.

Uses and Benefits: 'Blackhawks' is not just an ornamental masterpiece; it plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, offering habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and pollinators. Its robust form makes it an excellent choice for natural windbreaks or as a dynamic element in rain gardens, where it can help manage water runoff. Additionally, its dramatic color and form make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements and dried floral displays, bringing the beauty of the prairie indoors.

Companion Plants: Pair Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' with other native perennials and grasses that share its love for the sun and open spaces. The golden blooms of Rudbeckia or the purple spikes of Liatris spicata provide a striking color contrast, while the silvery foliage of Artemisia or the feathery texture of Schizachyrium offer complementary forms and textures. Together, these plants can create a vibrant, ecologically rich landscape that celebrates the diversity of the American prairie.

Care Instructions: 'Blackhawks' is a low-maintenance grass, requiring minimal care to thrive. It benefits from watering during extended dry spells in its first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant. Cutting back the foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins helps maintain its tidy appearance and promotes vigorous, healthy growth.

History: Derived from Andropogon gerardii, commonly known as Big Bluestem, 'Blackhawks' was selected for its unique foliage color, structural beauty, and adaptability. Big Bluestem is a cornerstone species of the North American tallgrass prairie, valued for its ecological importance and historical significance. 'Blackhawks' brings this native legacy into the modern garden with a twist of ornamental appeal.

Final Thoughts: Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' offers a striking silhouette against the autumn sky, with its deep, dark foliage and statuesque form. It is a celebration of native beauty and resilience, providing a breathtaking display of color, texture, and movement. Whether used as a solitary specimen, grouped in a mass planting, or integrated into a mixed border, 'Blackhawks' adds a dramatic and ecological dimension to the garden, inviting onlookers to admire the enduring beauty of the prairie landscape.