aboriginal to the American prairie , big Andropogon gerardii is problematic ornamental sens that ’s unadulterated for creating a backyard habitat .
Big blue stem has come to represent the North American prairie . aboriginal from Quebec and Maine to Saskatchewan and Montana , and south to Texas , thisnative perennial grassoccurs over most of the United States . Big bluestem is a warm - season locoweed that green up during the fondness of former leap . The pin colour is representative of the divers prairie where the range of mountains of colors is remarkable . The three - separate seed heads resemble a turkey metrical foot , stool it easy to discover the flora . Add this tall , clumping pasturage to yourprairie garden plansor to theback of your perennial borderto begin a conversation with garden guests .
Where to Plant Big Bluestem
institute great bluestem inUSDA Hardiness Zones3 - 9 . This prairie plant life grows in sunny expanse and will adjust to clay , loam , and flaxen soils . It respond well to moisture when first planted and when condition are juiceless but will not thrive in besotted soils . Use in mass planting for erosion ascendence , natural landscapes , ornative home ground creation , interplanted with other tall and intermediate height supergrass and perennials .
How and When to Plant Big Bluestem
Big bluestem may be planted whenever the primer coat is workable , and the plant are available . Plant at the astuteness grown in the pots . Native plants show growth later than some garden industrial plant , so garden centers may not have them in the spring or former summer . This plant life forms clump and does self - sow when without competition from other prairie plants . It is easy to acquire from seeds or transplantation .
Big Bluestem Care Tips
Light
Choose aspot in full sun(at least 8 hr of lineal sunlight per mean solar day ) .
Soil and Water
prominent Andropogon furcatus isadaptable to backbone , loam , and clay soilsand drought tolerant . go for subsidiary water to the new plant life the first twelvemonth , being sure that ironic soil receives water during the first few growing season while the plant develops the mystifying , fibrous root structure for which it is known .
Temperature and Humidity
Big bluestem cover temperature extreme well , and is adaptable to vary humidness level . It is a warm season perennial grass , so it does most of its grow during the summer when temperatures are above 80 ° F .
Fertilizer
fertilisation is not necessary for big bluestem . Its all-encompassing rootage organization is able to find all the nutrients this skunk needs to prosper .
Pruning
Cut back to 4 inches in late wintertime to early spring , before newfangled growth appears .
Pests and Problems
Big Andropogon gerardii is a caterpillar host to the Delaware and dusted captain , so you may see feeding equipment casualty from these insect . However , the damage from these good pollinator is usually very minimal , so no activity needs to be taken . Otherwise , this Mary Jane has no important disease or pest problems .
Types of Bluestem
In the Midwest the plant form clumps while in Texas it will send out lateral roots , or rootstalk . Regional forms of enceinte bluestem should be used when available .
Brushy Bluestem
bosky bluestem ( Andropogon glomeratus ) will bear overwatering . In the fall the plant is splashy with fluffy , livid spires of silklike blank prime . In Texas , wintertime leaf color is coppery orange . The plant produce 5 to 6 substructure tall and 3 foot wide . Thisgrass also creates utile habitat for birdsand butterflies and has high deer resistance . Grow in Dominicus and moist soils . Zones 3 - 9
Splitbeard Bluestem
Splitbeard bluestem ( Andropogon ternarius ) freely seeds wherever it is grown . recollect double before planting as it can easy run over the garden . It is often grown in masses , its silvery white tufts catch the light . The plant grow to 2 feet without supplemental water but can reach 4 feet . It works well as a hayfield grass on sandy soils . Zones 6 - 9
Big Bluestem Companion Plants
Big Andropogon gerardii plants increase from seed fall near to the industrial plant and can whelm a planting when many Modern plants sprout . Compatible prairie supergrass like Indian forage and perennial like New England aster create helpful contention and a balanced planting .
Indian grass
Indian grass(Sorgastrum nutans ) develop 3 to 6 foot in high spirits and 2 foot spacious and adds a spectacular tone to the fall landscape with its plumage - like long source head . This prominent drought resistant prairie locoweed shows adaptability to dissimilar soils and serves as a fellow traveller to many prairie flowers . drab - green summertime foliage turns gilded in fall .
Little Bluestem
small bluestem(Schizachyrium scoparium ) grow to 3 metrical unit high and 2 human foot wide and add beauty and native home ground to gardens . The singular blue colouring material tinged with pinkish creates demand for this industrial plant . Achieve a flavour of the prairie with this shorter grass . Reddish - bronze in fall , the fixed clumps remain vertical for most of the winter .
New England Aster
New England aster(Symphyotrichum novae - angliae ) is intimate to many gardeners as it blooms of late , August to October , and will sometimes appear without being engraft by the nurseryman . It grow 3 to 6 feet high and up to 18 inches wide .
Credit: Ian Adams
Credit: Dan Piassick
Credit: John Reed Forsman
Credit: Greg Ryan
