Andropogon gerardii
big blue stem
Densely tufted perennial grass, producing upright clumps of linear, blue-green leaves to 30cm long, purple-tinted in autumn. Strong, upright stems 2m tall bearing racemes about 10cm long of purple-red spikelets appear during autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | |||
| Autumn | Red Purple | Blue Green Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Andropogon can be annual or perennial grasses, with linear leaves and simple or branched racemes of small flowers, often with conspicuous awns, in summer or autumn
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, sharply-drained, preferably sandy soil in full sun. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed in a cold frame in spring, propagate by division from mid-spring to early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth begins
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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