Big Bluestem

About this plant

Standing tall and proud, Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is an iconic North American prairie grass, cherished for its distinctive blue-green foliage that deepens to russet, copper, and bronze with purple accents in autumn. Its unique three-part seed heads, resembling a turkey's foot, provide architectural interest through winter, adding texture and movement to the colder garden. Beyond its undeniable beauty, Big Bluestem is a cornerstone of biodiversity, supporting a wide array of wildlife. It's an excellent choice for naturalized meadows, ecological restorations, or as a bold vertical accent in more formal perennial borders, bringing an authentic touch of the prairie to your outdoor space. Extremely adaptable and low-maintenance, this long-lived perennial grass thrives in challenging conditions, making it a sustainable and enduring choice for homeowners and designers seeking both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Big Bluestem is remarkably low-maintenance once established. It rarely requires fertilization and is generally pest and disease-free. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain tidiness and encourage vigor. Can be divided in spring if clumps become too large or to propagate.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.