Andropogon 'Dancing Wind'

Andropogon gerardii 'Dancing Wind': Dancing Wind Big Bluestem

Airy, upright, and full of seasonal movement, Andropogon 'Dancing Wind' is a graceful cultivar of native Big Bluestem selected for its elegant stature and gently swaying habit. Its slender blue-green blades rise tall and vertical in summer before turning to rich hues of coppery-bronze and red as autumn approaches. Delicate, three-pronged seed heads appear in late summer, catching the breeze and the light. This is a grass that brings rhythm, resilience, and four-season interest to prairie-inspired landscapes.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 150–180 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Reddish-bronze seed heads
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Blue-green maturing to bronze, burgundy, and red in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; drought and clay tolerant

Uses and Benefits: 'Dancing Wind' is an excellent choice for naturalistic gardens, pollinator meadows, and mixed borders where height and movement are desired. It creates a strong vertical element while remaining finely textured and light on the landscape. Deep roots support healthy soil structure and offer drought resilience. Its late-season seed heads support birds, and its warm autumn tones provide a fiery backdrop into winter. A standout for wildlife gardens and low-maintenance plantings alike.

Companion Plants: For a dynamic prairie palette, pair Andropogon 'Dancing Wind' with golden Solidago 'Fireworks', magenta-hued Echinacea 'Ruby Star', and the lemony spires of Achillea 'Moonshine'. These selections echo the grass’s tones and textures while supporting pollinators throughout the season.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil for best colour and habit. Avoid overly rich soils to maintain upright growth. Drought tolerant once established. Cut back in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear. Division is rarely needed but can be done in spring for rejuvenation or propagation.

History: 'Dancing Wind' is a refined cultivar of Andropogon gerardii, native to the tallgrass prairies of North America. Selected for its upright habit and graceful movement, it honours the native species’ ecological role while elevating its ornamental appeal in cultivated landscapes.

Final Thoughts: With its softly swaying blades and fiery autumn finale, Andropogon 'Dancing Wind' brings poetry and purpose to the prairie garden. It’s a grass that speaks the language of wind, light, and lasting beauty.