Red October Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon) - 1 Gallon Pot
$25.88
Sale price
$25.88
Regular price
$34.00
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Red October Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon) - 1 Gallon Pot
$25.88
Sale price
$25.88
Regular price
$34.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description
Red October Big Bluestem Grass
Andropogon gerardii 'Red October'
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Ornamental Grass
Height at Maturity: 5-6'
Width at Maturity: 2.5'
Spacing: 2' for groupings or mass plantings, 5'+ for space between plants
Spacing: 2' for groupings or mass plantings, 5'+ for space between plants
Growth Habit / Form: Clumping, Upright
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Flower Color: Red, deepening to Burgundy
Flower Size: Small in thin vertical seed heads
Flowering Period: Late Summer through Fall
Bloom Type: Finger-like flower cluster
Fragrant Flowers: -
Foliage Color: Deep Green with Red highlights in spring, Red increases to Burgundy as the season progresses, Candy Apple Red after the first frost occurs
Fragrant Foliage: -
Seed: Seedheads in turkey-foot-shaped clusters
Seed Color: Red
Sun Needs: Full Sun; 6 or more hours of sunlight per day
Water Needs: Average to Low when established
Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Silty
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained to Dry when established
Soil pH: 6.0 - 8.0
Maintenance / Care: Very Low
Attracts: Visual Attention, Birds
Resistances: Air Pollution, Black Walnut, Deer, Disease, Drought (when established), Erosion, Heat, Humidity, Insect, Rabbits
Description
'Red October' Big Blue Stem Grass is adored for its narrow leaves and upright, vertical habit, but most of all for its foliage colors, which change throughout the season. In spring, the foliage emerges deep green with red highlights. During summer, the red coloration increases, becoming burgundy by fall. Then, after the first frost, the leaves turn brilliant candy-apple red mixed with scarlet. Even its turkey-foot-shaped seedheads, perched atop tall stems that reach six feet high above the foliage in late summer, are red and a favorite of florists. The overall effect is stunning, standing out and complementing other plants in perennial flower gardens, ornamental grass gardens, and landscape borders. Being a highly adaptable North American native, Red October Big Bluestem is drought-tolerant and easy to grow in most average to low-fertility soils, as well as in full sun. We suggest at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the deepest foliage color and overall vigor.
Wildlife Benefits
Red October Big Bluestem is the butterfly caterpillar host for Dusted Skipper and Delaware Skipper butterflies. The birds will enjoy the seeds.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 5 to 6 feet tall in flower and up to 2.5 feet wide, the Red October Big Bluestem Grass is ideal for use as a vertical accent in small garden spaces, or in groupings and large drifts or mass plantings in larger landscape borders and on slopes, where its deep roots provide excellent erosion control. A fine addition to ornamental grass gardens, bird and wildlife gardens, native plant gardens, prairies, meadows or naturalized areas.
Spacing: 30 inches apart for mass plantings; 5 feet or more apart for space between plants
Growing Preferences
Red October Big Bluestem Grass is exceptionally easy to grow in moist, well-drained soil of average to even poor fertility, including clay soils. Once established, its deep tap root gives it high drought tolerance. It prefers full sun, so we suggest at least six hours or more of direct sunlight per day. Cut plants back to just above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Helpful Articles
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Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
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