Andropogon 'Blackhawks'

Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks': Blackhawks Big Bluestem

Smouldering with deep burgundy tones from midsummer through fall, Andropogon 'Blackhawks' is a bold, upright cultivar of native Big Bluestem that commands attention in the landscape. Its dark green blades emerge in spring, gradually deepening to near-black by late season, especially in full sun. Strong, vertical stems hold their shape through winter, crowned with dramatic, three-pronged seed heads that catch the light. With its striking colour and prairie heritage, 'Blackhawks' delivers drama, structure, and ecological value all in one.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–180 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Dark reddish-bronze seed heads
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Dark green maturing to burgundy, maroon, and nearly black in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; tolerant of clay and drought

Uses and Benefits: 'Blackhawks' shines in sunny borders, prairie plantings, and modern meadow gardens where bold colour and upright form are desired. Its fall foliage rivals that of shrubs, while its deep roots support healthy soil and erosion control. Excellent for wildlife gardens, it provides late-season interest, bird-friendly seed heads, and a strong visual anchor to balance floral displays. Durable, low maintenance, and deer resistant.

Companion Plants: Set the smouldering tones of Andropogon 'Blackhawks' against the rosy-pink blooms of Echinacea 'Magnus', the towering golden petals of Rudbeckia 'Indian Summer', and the tidy purple spikes of Liatris spicata 'Kobold'. Together, they create a pollinator-rich, colour-intense planting with bold contrasts and prairie flair.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for best colour and strongest form. Tolerates lean or dry soils, and thrives with minimal care once established. Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring. Divide every few years in spring if needed to rejuvenate growth or manage size. Avoid excessive fertility to maintain upright habit.

History: Bred by Brent Horvath at Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, 'Blackhawks' is a standout cultivar selected for its exceptional late-season colour and refined stature. It draws on the native strength of Andropogon gerardii, once dominant in North America’s tallgrass prairies, and adapts beautifully to both wild and designed landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Smoky, structural, and steeped in prairie character, Andropogon 'Blackhawks' adds bold foliage contrast and year-round interest. It’s a grass with presence—unapologetically strong, unmistakably elegant.