Blackhawks Big Bluestem
Blackhawks Big Bluestem was named Perennial Plant of the Year for 2026 by the Perennial Plant Association, and it earns the attention for both beauty and function.
This ornamental grass has a strong, upright shape, handles heat and drought with ease, and delivers dramatic color later in the season. It starts out deep green, then shifts to rich purple in late summer, and by early fall it can look nearly black. In midsummer, feathery flower spikes rise above the foliage and add even more texture and movement.
Because it is a cultivar of Andropogon gerardii, a native tallgrass prairie species, it also supports wildlife. It can offer shelter and seed for songbirds, including sparrows, and it can host the larvae of certain butterfly species. It is a beautiful fit for naturalistic plantings, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and ecological gardens.
Plant details
- Common name: Blackhawks big bluestem
- Botanical name: Andropogon gerardii Blackhawks
- Mature size: about 5 feet tall by 2 feet wide, upright and columnar
- Flowers: feathery plumes in midsummer
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 to 9
Where it came from
Blackhawks was selected by breeder Brent Horvath at Intrinsic Perennial Gardens. It originated from the seed of Red October, but it stays about a foot shorter and develops darker purple to near-black tones late in the season.
How to grow it
Site and soil
- Sun: full sun
- Soil: average garden soil with good drainage
Water and feeding
- Water: moderate water while establishing, then very drought tolerant once mature
- Fertilizer: avoid rich soil and fertilizer; both can cause flopping
Maintenance and landscape value
- Maintenance: cut back old growth in late winter or early spring
- Bonus: deep roots can help with erosion control on slopes
Design ideas for the garden
Use Blackhawks as a bold vertical accent in borders, prairie-style beds, and mixed plantings where fall color and movement matter. Pair it with late-season perennials for contrast, and let the upright form create structure through autumn.
If you want a bold, vertical accent that looks incredible in fall and asks for very little in return, Blackhawks big bluestem is a standout.
Explore more ideas in Seasonal Wisdom, browse grasses and perennials in Plant Profiles, learn about garden-friendly wildlife in Critter Chronicles, or send a question to Ask Keith.