About
Andropogon gerardii is a robust perennial grass characterized by its tightly packed clumps of narrow, blue-green foliage that can reach lengths of 30 cm, displaying a hint of purple in the fall. The plant features tall, upright stems that can grow to 2 meters, topped with racemes approximately 10 cm long, showcasing purple-red spikelets that emerge in autumn.
About the genus
Andropogon consists of grasses that can be either annual or perennial. They feature narrow leaves and bear small flowers in simple or branched racemes, frequently adorned with noticeable awns. Flowering typically occurs during the summer or autumn months.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Sand, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in light, sharply-drained, preferably sandy soil in full sun. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth begins
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in a cold frame in spring, propagate by division from mid-spring to early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free