Big Bluestem
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| Plant Information | |
| Common Name | Big Bluestem |
| Botanical Name | Andropogon gerardii |
| Description | |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Height | 4 to 5 ft |
| Mature Width | 2 to 3 ft |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Bloom Color | Purple-red |
| Bloom Interest | Insignificant |
| Bloom Period | September to February |
| Seasonal Interest | Fall, Winter |
| Foliage Color | Blue-green |
| Foliage Type | Simple |
| Fall Color | Red-bronze |
| Attributes | Black Walnut Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Dry Soil |
| Attracts Butterflies | No |
| Attracts Birds | No |
| Care | |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 4 to 9 |
| Zoned for KC Region | Yes |
| Water Preference | Dry,Moist,Well-drained |
| Maintenance Level | Low |
| Cost | Moderate |
| Watering Notes | Water regularly the first year of planting. Once established, supplemental water during periods of drought is usually all that is necessary. |
| Fertilize Notes | Feed with a general purpose fertilizer like 5-10-5 when planting. Established plants shouldn't be fed heavily. Use fertilizer at half-strength in the spring as new growth appears. |
| Prune Notes | Prune to 10-12" height, Fall or Early Spring before new growth shows. |