Andropogon 'Blackhawks'
- In stock, ready to ship
Andropogon 'Blackhawks': Prairie Grass Going Darker by the Week
Green blades flushed purple in spring, darkening to deep purple-black by fall, like the grass is slowly turning into its own shadow. This big bluestem stands tall and moody in full sun. DARK, HANDSOME AND LOW MAINTENANCE.
Plant Characteristics:
- Botanical Name: Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks'
- Common Name: Big Bluestem
- Height: 150 cm (5 ft)
- Spread: 60 cm (2 ft)
- Flowers: Three-branched, turkey-foot flower heads in reddish-purple tones, held above the leaves
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
- Foliage: Green flushed with purple in spring, darkening to deep purple-black by fall
- Features: Host plant for skipper caterpillars, cover for birds
- Plant Patent: USPP 27,949
Where to Plant: Use it as a dark vertical line in a sunny border, a meadow planting or a prairie-style garden, where its narrow habit fits smaller yards better than most big bluestems. Leave the stems up through winter, since they hold their shape in the snow and give birds somewhere to hide.
Companion Plants: Gaillardia 'Mesa Peach' blooms at the front from June to September in soft peach tones. Perovskia 'Blue Jean Baby' adds airy lavender spires from midsummer into early fall. Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' rises up to 210 cm with pale yellow flowers, a bright partner for the dark grass. Plant the group in full sun.
Plant Care: Plant it in full sun, in dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil. Skip the rich compost and the fertilizer. In rich, wet soil it can flop. Water regularly through the first season. Like most prairie grasses, it puts its energy into roots first and can take a couple of years to reach full height. After that, it copes well with drought. This is a warm-season grass, so it starts slowly in spring. Cut the whole clump to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Divide in spring if the clump gets crowded or the centre thins out.
History: 'Blackhawks' was introduced by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, Illinois, from a seedling of his earlier big bluestem, 'Red October'. The Perennial Plant Association named it the 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Final Thoughts: Plant it where the evening light hits and the birds can hide in it all winter. Skipper caterpillars move in too. THE MIDNIGHT SHIFT STARTS IN FALL.
