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Blackhawks Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ PP27949
Whether you're designing a contemporary garden or looking to add year-round interest to a naturalistic planting scheme, Andropogon 'Blackhawk' is the perfect choice for gardeners who want both beauty and ease of care.
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Blackhawks Big Bluestem for Sale Online
Elevate your garden design with the dramatic Andropogon 'Blackhawks,' a striking ornamental grass known for its rich, dark foliage that transitions to deep burgundy as the season progresses. This native prairie grass, also known as Big Bluestem 'Blackhawk,' is a standout addition to any landscape, offering both visual interest and low-maintenance beauty.
Key Features:
- Deep Burgundy Foliage: Andropogon 'Blackhawk' is celebrated for its dark green leaves that turn a stunning deep purple-black in late summer and fall, creating a bold contrast in the garden.
- Native and Resilient: As a North American native, this grass is exceptionally hardy, thriving in a variety of soil types, including poor or dry soils, and requires minimal water once established.
- Low Maintenance: Perfect for busy gardeners, 'Blackhawk' is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and requires little care to maintain its vibrant appearance throughout the growing season.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for mass plantings, borders, or as a focal point in modern and naturalistic landscapes. It also works beautifully in mixed containers or as a backdrop to showcase flowering perennials.
- Seasonal Interest: In addition to its stunning foliage, 'Blackhawk' produces fluffy seed heads in late summer, adding texture and movement to the garden.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 5 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 1 to 2 Feet |
| Classification: | Ornamental grass |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Habit: | Upright |
| Foliage: | Dark green leaves that turn a stunning deep purple-black |
| Flower Color: | N/A |
| Soil Condition: | Any well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
How to Care for Blackhawks Big Bluestem
Before you buy Blackhawks Big Bluestem, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How do I plant Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass?
It is best to plant grasses in the early spring after the last frost or in the fall six weeks before the first frost. Big Bluestem grass prefers full sun so choose your planting location accordingly. When you plant Blackhawks Big Bluestem grasses, dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper. Set your big bluestem grass in the center at the same level it is growing in its container. Backfill the hole with a 50/50 combination of existing soil and enriched topsoil. Water thoroughly at first planting and regularly thereafter. When the roots are established, big bluestem does well in drier soils.
How do I mulch Blackhawks Big Bluestem?
We highly recommend that you mulch your Blackhawks Big Bluestem with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. Any type of mulch will do but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they breakdown. Mulching helps to keep weeds away which will compete with your new investment for water and nutrients. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch. It's better to leave a one inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant
How do I water Blackhawks Big Bluestem?
After planting your Blackhawks Big Bluestem, give it a good deep watering. This is not to be rushed. Most of the water you put on the plant at first will run away from the plant until the soil is soaked. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. For example a one gallon pot would be watered until you count to 5 a three gallon pot would be 15 and so on. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks. Gator Bags are a good investment that will help minimize the watering chore.
How do I fertilize Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass?
Plants such as Blackhawks Big Bluestem grow best if they are fertilized lightly in the spring once frost has passed with a well-balanced, extended-release, fertilizer such as Woodie's Root Booster. Fertilize your Big Bluestem grass again 6 to 8 weeks later to encourage denser foliage or faster growth.
