Red October Bluestem is a narrow upright clump-forming native grass grown for its attractive foliage that start deep green with red highlights in spring, deepens to burgundy in fall, then after the first frost turns candy-apple-red mixed with scarlet. Even the turkey-foot shaped seed heads of Red October Big Bluestem are shades of red. Grows best in full sun and well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
Type: |
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Origins: |
North America, GA Native |
Height: |
4 - 6' |
Spread: |
2 - 3' |
Spacing: |
None |
USDA Hardiness Zone: |
5 - 8 |
Culture: |
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Bloom Color: |
Red |
Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance. Cut stems to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Native Gardens, Foundation Plantings, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: Milkweed, Tickseed, Black Eyed Susan
IMAGES: Photos by Matt Lavin, (1) Andropogon gerardii - big , (2) Andropogon gerardii - big bluestem, (3) Photo by Tom Potterfield, Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem)
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.